Married Thrice to Salted Fish

12.

Lin Qingyu didn’t know what Lu Wancheng was apologizing to him for.

——Because he didn’t die? Because he didn’t try to die before the Imperial Medical Office’s examination?

There was still more than three months before the exam. If Lu Wancheng passed away during that period, he would have the opportunity to take the exam. He should be hoping that Lu Wancheng dies soon, just as he had when he first married him. Lu Wancheng hadn’t known about the Chong Xi and he wasn’t going to attack innocent people. He just needed to be patient and wait for his lamp to run out of oil.

But what has he been doing these days? He got the prescription from his father, and worked hard to improve, dispense, and make the medicine. Though it was true that this was his hobby, could it be that he really had no intention of saving the other?

Ha, this can’t even be called ‘saving’. At best, it would enable Lu Wancheng to struggle at death’s door for another six months. Since Lu Wancheng didn’t care whether he lived or died, what difference was there whether he had these six months or not?

“If you really want to die so much, then just…” Lin Qingyu’s throat moved slightly and did not finish what he was going to say.

Lu Wancheng seemed to have guessed what he was thinking, and said, half-lie and half-truth, “No way, Doctor Lin. Those who commit suicide will go to hell. Not only can you never reincarnate, but you’ll also be enslaved by ghosts to do hard labor every day. You won’t get even a moment’s rest. You know me, I’m not afraid of death, but I am afraid of tiredness.”

Lin Qingyu snorted coldly. “What complete nonsense.”

Lu Wancheng had woken up but his body was still extremely weak. Just after saying a few words, his face was already turning deathly pale. Except for liquid food, he vomited whatever else he ate. He subsisted on light rice porridge every day. He couldn’t even have the tiniest bite of fish or meat.

Not long ago, Huan Tong, following his instructions, bought a lot of novels from the bookstore on Yongxing Street. Whenever he was awake, he would be leaning against a soft pillow as he read those novels. At night, before going to bed, he would half force Lin Qingyu into listening to him “read a story” until he himself trailed off and drifted to sleep.

On this day, Lu Wancheng was reading a novel when he saw the servants of the Blue Wind Pavilion rummaging through the cabinets in the room. He asked, “What are they doing?”

Lin Qingyu said, “Looking for something.”

“Of course I know they’re looking for something. I’m not blind — What are they looking for?”

Lin Qingyu said, “The ‘lost’ ledger.”

When recuperating, one must avoid being laden down with worries. Lin Qingyu hadn’t planned on telling Lu Wancheng about the account book. But after thinking about it, Lu Wancheng didn’t even care about his life or death, he probably wouldn’t even spare a thought over this trivial matter.

He couldn’t help being a little curious. Was there be anything that could move Lu Wancheng into caring?

Lin Qingyu briefly recounted what had happened the day before yesterday. Lu Wancheng’s reaction was much bigger than he had expected. There was even a hint of piercing coldness in his eyes. “If you don’t court death, you won’t die. Why is it that some people just can’t understand?” Lu Wancheng pondered for a moment and then raised his lips in a slight smile. “Doctor Lin, this is a good time for you to fight for your inheritance.”

Hearing this, Lin Qingyu knew that Lu Wancheng had the same idea as he did. “I know.” He said, “Otherwise why do you think I’m letting them look for a non-existent ledger?”

Lu Wancheng sighed, “Haven’t I said it before? We get along really well. How about we create a bond…a bond as sworn brothers? Brothers from different fathers.”

“…No.”

Lu Wancheng was sent coughing from shock. “Cough, cough. — But why?!”

“I’ve already created one bond with you. I don’t intend to have another.” Lin Qingyu said indifferently, “Besides, I, for one, don’t think I get along very well with you.”

Lu Wancheng was hit hard and whispered. “I just want to hear you call me ‘Wancheng Gege’. Why is that so hard?”

The servants rummaged through the Blue Wind Pavilion, but they found no trace of the ledger. Lin Qingyu relayed this to Liang Shi. Manager Wang suddenly looked as though the sky had collapsed. “Oh what am I to do! Those ledgers are confidential and there’s only one copy of that account. There’s no copy of that page. If something were to go wrong in the future…”

Liang Shi, too, wore a worried frown. She repeatedly confirmed to Lin Qingyu, “Are you sure you’ve searched every part of the Blue Wind Pavilion? Maybe the servants didn’t look carefully?”

“They’ve searched high and low. The ledger is indeed not in the Blue Wind Pavilion.”

Liu Momo could finally raise her eyebrows and sigh. “Losing such an important thing, not only has Shaojun betrayed the Madam’s trust but according to the rules of the Hou Mansion, you must be made to reflect on your actions in the ancestral hall!”

Lin Qingyu asked, “How can the Madam be sure that the ledger was lost in the Blue Wind Pavilion?”

Liu Momo rushed to speak, “It was whole when it sent was sent to the Blue Wind Pavilion but it was missing a page when we took it back! If it wasn’t lost in the Blue Wind Pavilion then where could it be?”

Liang Shi thought that Lin Qingyu would still dispute, but he simply nodded. “I see.”

For a while, Liang Shi didn’t respond. “This…”

“In that case,” Lin Qingyu said in a hurry, “This matter was due to my negligence. I hope Madam will forgive me.”

The few people exchanged looks. After they got over their astonishment, they all grew somewhat restless, eager to make trouble. Liang Shi pursed her lips. She had a vague feeling that something was wrong. She said, “Qingyu has already tried very hard to find it. It can’t be helped that it’s missing.”

She was a very picture of a dignified, tolerant and magnanimous mistress.

Liu Momo asked, “Madam, should this matter be told to the Master?”

Lin Qingyu slightly raised his eyes.

Losing a page of an important account book may be considered a major event in the inner house, but it was far from important enough to be seen by Nan’an Hou.

Nan’an Hou was a minister of outstanding merit serving beside the Emperor. His first wife was the biological sister of the Empress herself. He could be considered as first among a hundred ministers. He rarely involved himself with matters of the inner house and Lin Qingyu has seen him only a few times after getting married. The only matters that could be presented before him were major issues that could not be controlled by Liang Shi.

A one-off careless slip by the Shaojun was nothing much. Were Liang Shi to tell Nan’an Hou about it, Nan’an Hou would only think that she was making a fuss. But if Lin Qingyu were to make mistakes one after another and Liang Shi were to mention this to Nan’an Hou then the source of his displeasure would be the person who made the mistakes.

Liang Shi thought for a while, and said, “The Master has far too many things to handle in the imperial court. He shouldn’t have to worry about things at home.”

Manager Wang shook his head and sighed, “After all, this is the first time that the Shaojun has been involved with the general affairs of the mansion. It truly makes people worry. It is still with Madam as the mistress of the household that we can…”

In order not to embarrass Lin Qingyu, Liang Shi “considerately” interrupted Manager Wang and said, “Qingyu is the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hou Mansion. If he doesn’t help share my worries and burdens, then who else can I count on? If this matter causes trouble in the future, I will take care of it for Qingyu.”

Lin Qingyu closed his eyes and said, “Thank you, Madam.”

Liang Shi sighed and asked the maid to present another account book. “This is the Hou Mansion’s account book for the entire winter. Qingyu, take it back with you and sort it through. This time, you must absolutely not lose any pages again.”

This time, Lin Qingyu urged Zhang Shiquan to carefully watch over the ledger. Zhang Shiquan didn’t dare be the slightest bit neglectful. The account book would only be out when he was present, and whenever he was away, it would be locked up in the cabinet. On the day that Lin Qingyu was to report to Liang Shi, Zhang Shiquan deliberately counted and confirmed that there were no missing pages before returning the ledger to Lin Qingyu.

Lin Qingyu brought the ledger to the front hall to Liang Shi. Liang Shi ordered someone to serve tea and asked Lin Qingyu to wait a while. She then flipped through the account book in front of him.

“That’s strange. Why can’t I see last year’s charcoal money? Manager Wang, could it be that you didn’t record it?”

Wang Guanshi hurriedly said, “As I remember, it should be on page 26.”

Lin Qingyu also said, “There is indeed this account. I’ve seen it.”

“Twenty-four, twenty-five…twenty-seven?” Liang Shi’s eyes widened, “Why… another page is missing?”

Lin Qingyu frowned. “Impossible.”

Liang Shi repeatedly confirmed it. “It’s really not here.”

“Please look for it carefully, Madam.”

Liang Shi’s face was drawn down and she threw the account book to Liu Momo. But anyone with a discerning eye could see that she wanted to fling this account book at Lin Qingyu.

Liang Shi no longer had her usual generosity and kindness and she said coldly, “Since you don’t trust my words — Liu Momo, help Shaojun count.”

Liu Momo quickly flipped through the ledger. “The twenty-sixth page is indeed missing…Manager Wang, how many pages were there in this ledger?”

Wang Guan said, “A total of one hundred and twenty pages.”

Liu Momo counted from beginning to end. “This ledger has only one hundred and nineteen pages. Why is there another page lost!”

Lin Qingyu’s constantly cold expression round finally showed that uneasiness they wanted to see. “How is this possible? Madam, the ledger was not lost in Blue Wind Pavilion.”

“You’ve done it again.” Liang Shi said, sincere and earnest, “Qingyu, I can protect you once, but I can’t protect you again and again.”

Lin Qingyu was silent, his eyes half closed.

The corners of Liang Shi’s lips were silently ticked up and Liu Momo could hardly hold back the smile from appearing on her face. Manager Wang was just as anxious as last time. “Madam, about the housekeeping, for the sake of the peace of the Hou Mansion, please reconsider! Madam!”

Liang Shi rubbed her forehead. “Perhaps, I shouldn’t have placed such high hopes on you. Wancheng is so ill, you should just stay by his side and take care of him.”

Lin Qingyu finally lowered his head in front of them. “Young Master Hou has his own servants to wholeheartedly take care of him and Qingyu still wishes to manage the mansion’s affairs. I’m asking Madam…to give me another chance.”

Different expressions flashed in Liang Shi’s eyes. Just as she expected, she was right. Lin Qingyu was coming after the Hou Mansion’s property. What a clear and cold beauty but inside, he was unexpectedly filled with worldly treachery. How horrible if she really were to let him take control of the household.

Liang Shi pondered for a long time and she said, as though compromising, “Don’t meddle with the accounts anymore. How about this? The crown prince’s birth mother, Chen Guifei, is about to celebrate her fortieth birthday. How about you handle the selection of her birthday gift?”

Court officials were very particular about giving gifts to each other. Reciprocity was key and so was having worldly wisdom. In recent years, the details of the gifts given by others to the Hou Mansion were all recorded. When it was time to give them gifts in return, it must be carefully weighed based on their official positions as well as the friendship they shared with Nan’an Hou. A little carelessness may arouse suspicion and envy. Even ordinary officials were like this, what more the imperial concubine-mother of the current crown prince.

Liang Shi has already done so much to set the tone. It was finally time to play the big one.

Lin Qingyu hesitated and said, “I have never had any dealings with the Eastern Palace. I am completely ignorant as to Chen Guifei’s preferences.”

“I have a book that records the rewards that His Highness the Crown Prince and Chen Guifei have bestowed upon Master Hou over the years. You will only need to prepare a commensurate gift.” Liang Shi said, “Remember, His Majesty the Emperor does not like for the Empress and his concubines to be too extravagant. He likes it even less for the crown prince to associate with powerful ministers. The value of the gift you prepare for Chen Guifei must be equal to the rewards they have given.”

In the Blue Wind Pavilion, Lu Wancheng was feeding himself his medicine. Movements slow and leisurely, it took him so very long to drink half his bowl. Watching him, Huan Tong was itching to help him drink it.

Hearing “Shaojun has returned” from outside, Lu Wancheng looked towards the door, waiting for Lin Qingyu to come in. He hurriedly drank down the remaining half of the medicine.

Huan Tong asked, confused, “Why is Young Master Hou so willing to drink his medicine as soon as he sees my family’s Young Master?”

Lu Wancheng smiled and said, “The medicine is too bitter so you've got to down it with a bit of eye candy. —— Doctor Lin, how was it?”

Lin Qingyu ignored him. “Huan Tong, go and ask Manager Zhang to come here.”

When Zhang Shiquan heard that the ledger was missing another page, he grew quite emotional. “How is that possible? I have confirmed it over and over!”

Lin Qingyu said, “It’s very simple, Liang Shi has people within the Blue Wind Pavilion, and they took the ledger at the last minute.”

“It’s probably Feng Qin,” Lu Wancheng said casually, “She is quite loyal to Liang Shi.”

Everyone’s eyes flicked and focused on Lu Wancheng.

Lu Wancheng laughed and said, “Why are you all looking at me?”

Lin Qingyu asked, “How do you know?”

“I observed it.”

Huan Tong yelled, “How could Young Master Hou not tell us about such an important matter?!”

Lu Wancheng was also surprised. “Liang Shi has been in power within the Nan’an Hou Mansion for many years, and she had been the one to personally select the Blue Wind Pavilion’s servants. Except for Hua Lu who is a maid sent by my maternal grandparents, everyone else would obey Liang Shi. Don’t tell me that you didn’t know.”

The people gathered remained expressionless for a while. Lin Qingyu said calmly, “Thank you, Young Master Hou, for reminding us. We know now.”

Huan Tong said fiercely, “I’m going to go and talk some sense into her!”

“No need,” Lin Qingyu stopped Huan Tong. “Let her be.”

Huan Tong said in disbelief, “Young Master? But why?”

Lu Wancheng smiled and said, “My guess is, there’s someone here who wants to do ‘something bad’?”

Lin Qingyu did not deny it. “She made the first move.”

Lu Wancheng looked at Lin Qingyu. In his eyes, was a smile that couldn’t be hidden. “It’s fine. Doctor Lin also looks beautiful when he’s doing ‘something bad’.”

“Young Master Hou, sleeping haphazardly is fine, but speaking so is not.” Huan Tong said seriously, “Our family’s Young Master is good-natured and warm-hearted. He would never do bad things!”

Lin Qingyu: “……”

Lu Wancheng smiled. “He hasn’t done it before, but he must have thought about it. In the future, he might do it. Am I right, Doctor Lin?”

Lin Qingyu’s heart tightened imperceptibly.

Huan Tong had grown up with him but he didn’t know some of the secret thoughts in his mind. Huan Tong thought him a good person. While Lu Wancheng, who had only known him for a few months, seemed to be able to see through him.

He originally thought that once he married into the Hou Mansion, he would have to endure the humiliation in silence and rot in the quagmire. He never thought that he could meet a… close friend and confidant?

Lin Qingyu looked down at a certain someone lying on the bed, clearly ill but relaxed and content. The bottom of his eyes were dark and unclear. Soon after, he smiled softly and said, “Wrong.”

Lu Wancheng’s coughing symptoms relapsed. He coughed when he was awake and coughed even when he was asleep, waking himself up. It was late into the night, after he’d woken up, that he subconsciously looked towards the screen. However, he couldn’t make out anyone behind it, so he forced himself to sit up. He saw Lin Qingyu standing by the window.

He was standing alone, his figure lonely and cold, looking as though he was caged in light.

For a long while, Lu Wancheng looked at him in a daze. He couldn’t help calling out: “Qingyu?”

“Here.”

Lu Wancheng asked: “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Lin Qingyu was silent for a long time before he said, “You said, I look beautiful when I do bad things.”

Lu Wancheng smiled and said, “Hey, if you’re talking like that, I won’t be sleepy anymore.”

Lin Qingyu looked back at him and asked softly, “If that ‘bad thing’ I do is poison people, or even…take the lives of people, would you still think that I look beautiful?”

Lu Wancheng was slightly startled. His breath seemed to hide faint excitement and anticipation. He slowly smiled. “Of course, you’d be beautiful. The way you look when you use poison is the one I like best.”