Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Generation Apart

On seeing the two parties exchange words, Qin Shu, seated above, let out a long breath; his back was already drenched in sweat.

The intimidating presence of the Feathered Guards behind him kept him from relaxing; he sat upright, ever vigilant.

As they were about to leave, Master Fang couldn’t help but approach Jiang Ruoming, producing a small wooden token, “If you ever have trouble with your studies, bring this to the Fang residence and seek me out.”

Young Ming glanced first at his little uncle beside him and didn’t take the token.

Master Fang felt awkward. Over the years, countless noble families had vied to send their children to him, and he had never even raised an eyebrow. Now, finally encountering a promising child who brought him joy, he was disregarded—no delight at all. He looked at that wastrel, who hadn’t even studied properly, feeling aggrieved.

But then he thought, the child was living under another's roof; perhaps it was proper to act so. With this notion, he couldn’t help but feel pity, glancing at the frightening scratches on the boy’s face, and immediately began to blame his own daughter.

How could she have been so ruthless? She claimed the Jiang girl struck first, but did she take him, her father, for a fool? This child was so clever; the girl he protected could hardly be less so.

Master Fang wondered if Jiang was angry at him over his daughter, crying inwardly: “Daughter, you’ve cost me a promising student!”

Jiang Lan had no idea that, in such a short moment, Master Fang’s heart had spun through countless thoughts. Seeing Ming ask for her opinion, she felt gratified.

She nodded, “This is Master Fang, revered by scholars everywhere. He favors you; accept it and call him ‘Uncle Fang.’”

“Thank you, Uncle Fang,” Ming said.

When the child properly took the wooden token and put it away, his gentle voice brought joy to Master Fang’s heart. He ignored any concerns about seniority, finding nothing out of place. He even regarded Jiang Lan with new respect, thinking he was quite sensible.

But as he watched the child trot ahead, calling, “Little Uncle, Little Uncle…,” Master Fang’s eye twitched. Wasn’t Jiang Lan of a grandfatherly generation to him?

That brat! So that’s what he was waiting for! Just now they had sparred verbally, but now he caved so quickly? Clearly, it wasn’t admiration for his talent! Hmph!

Jiang Lan watched the child following her, hope shining in his eyes as he looked to her hand. She understood well his dependence on her, but she couldn’t stay long. Once she returned to her original form, remaining by their side would only harm them.

Yet, faced with such a gaze, Jiang Lan couldn’t harden her heart. So be it; she could only hope to earn more merit, fulfill that person’s wish, and guide him into a worthy man with the foundation to stand in the world. All she couldn’t let go could be entrusted to him.

Jiang Ruoming, once discouraged, saw a pale, slender hand extended toward him. He quickly grasped it, looking up happily at the radiant figure. “Little Uncle…”

“Come, weren’t you wanting pastries from Honey Fragrance Pavilion?”

Jiang Ruoming nodded, “Yes, Little Uncle.”

Just as they reached the yamen’s gate, Jiang Lan’s sharp eyes spotted Qin Shu, dressed in dark blue official robes, waiting nearby.

“Sir, what a coincidence. Are you heading out?”

Qin Shu shook his head, cupping his fist. “No, I was waiting here especially.”

“Oh?”

“I wish to thank the young lord for not holding a grudge over my rashness last time, and also for today…”

Jiang Lan interrupted, raising him with one hand, “Sir, please don’t say that. Last time was merely a dispute between me and Liu and Qian. You upheld the law and stopped a street disturbance; it was your duty as an official. You are an honest magistrate.”

Qin Shu blushed. Yet, thinking back, he hadn’t handled things ideally. If his stopping Jiang Lan was his duty, then when Liu Heng drew his blade, he should have restrained him too, but he hadn’t.

Reflecting now, he felt deeply embarrassed.

And today, though Master Fang’s approach was gentle, had the young lord pressed the matter, things would have been much more chaotic. The guards reported that Fang’s second daughter had cursed horribly at Taibai Tower, even slandering the young lord and Miss Jiang as having an illicit affair. The young lord was gracious; in Qin’s place, he might have retaliated directly.

Jiang Lan saw the awkwardness on Qin Shu’s face and smiled inwardly. She understood the difficulties of mortals well. Seeking advantage and avoiding harm was natural. He hadn’t wronged her; there was no need for unpleasantness.

“If you still feel uneasy, how about treating me to a meal sometime?” she teased. “But it must be a proper feast—I’m used to being spoiled.”

Qin Shu breathed a sigh of relief. “Of course. Once arrangements are made, I’ll send an invitation right away.”

Jiang Lan nodded, took the child’s hand, and waved to Qin Shu before striding off.

Qin Shu stood at the gate, watching the pair, his eyes shining. “Such genuine youth! Truly admirable.”

Outside the yamen, on the steps, Jiang Lan slowed her pace, glancing at the child beside her, afraid he’d fall behind or trip in his eagerness.

Sensing her concern, the little one caught her arm, murmuring, “Little Uncle, don’t worry—Ming will handle all these troubles in the future. You only need to eat, drink, and be happy every day.”

Jiang Lan paused, then looked down at him. He hung his head, fists clenched. He must have guessed her intentions in raising him. Jiang Lan stroked his soft hair, “Your teacher hopes you’ll be happy too.”

For as long as I can protect you...

The maids and servants brought from home were already settled. Jiang Lan eyed the unexpected fine horse.

She asked the young groom, “Why didn’t it leave with the Feathered Guards?”

He laughed heartily, recalling the earlier scene, unable to contain his mirth. “Miss, you won’t believe it—the horse has betrayed its master!”

As if in response, the spirited horse neighed loudly, snorting, and affectionately approached Jiang Lan, bowing its head to lick her hand.

From the groom’s account, Jiang Lan understood: the horse had forsaken its previous owner, refusing all attempts to lead it, even throwing its master off.

She stroked the horse’s mane, instructing the groom, “In that case, find out the price tomorrow—pay three times and send it to the Feathered Guards.”

“Yes, miss.”

Jiang Lan eyed the horse’s bright gaze and strong limbs—it was a fine steed.

Turning, she asked Jiang Ruoming, “Ming, you’ll soon learn to ride. Your teacher finds this horse suitable; do you like it?”

Jiang Ruoming nodded, but hesitated. The horse was clever and seemed fond of his little uncle; he too...

As he worried, he felt a wetness on his face. Looking up, he met the horse’s ingratiating gaze—clever and eager to please.

His little uncle, seeing its affection, began discussing building a special stable and providing special feed...

Judging by the horse’s look, it was here to compete for favor. Hmph!

At the street’s end, a pitch-black ebony carriage was parked, guarded by Feathered Guards in deep blue brocade.

Inside, someone lifted the curtain, watching as the Feathered Guards carried a conspicuous figure among them. A soft laugh escaped, then the curtain fell. The occupant murmured, “Let it be, let it be...”

The servant child’s eyes bulged. “Young master, you’re not angry?”

The man simply tapped the child’s head. “Why should I be angry?”

“But that person took our horse!”

“It’s only a horse, what’s—”

“Young master, you’ve changed...” the child pouted.

“Oh?” The man, unusually good-tempered, held a warming stove, lips curling slightly in the chilly spring air. “I just find it amusing. No matter. Let’s return to the manor.”

The child said no more, lifting the curtain and giving instructions outside.

The carriage glided noiselessly down the street, ghost-like and silent.

On horseback, Jiang Ruoming sensed Jiang Lan tense behind him and asked, “Little Uncle, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Lan withdrew her gaze, smiling, “Nothing.” She merely felt an uncertain, possibly hostile glance from behind...

Indeed, life was harsh—how had she only now realized it? If things continued this way, she’d die without knowing how. She needed protection, but that required money. She couldn’t live forever off the Xue family dowry. In the old days, her mother handled all social matters; her grandfather managed the entire demon clan. Whatever rare treasures she wished for, she got; she’d never worried about gold and silver.

Frustrating.

What now? She couldn’t go back to the gambling den, could she?

Last time, using the gambler’s trick was a bit unscrupulous. Especially since Xue Second kept warning her—not wise to return.

But if not gambling, where could she earn easy money?

Raid the palace?

Forget it; that place was deadly. She was now a wild ghost’s soul in a human body. The palace’s aura could shield her from Heaven’s scrutiny, but what if she ran into an extraordinary master?

It was said the Imperial Observatory’s top-ranked exorcists were out hunting demons. Little monsters ran amok, big monsters roamed the land, and they hadn’t yet come for her—a “little ghost” reincarnated by accident. If they finished their business and turned their attention to her, what then?

She didn’t mind dealing with them—but only if she could withstand it!

Killing a good priest, with Heaven’s punishment level, would probably bring down a thunderbolt to kill her!

Heavens, after surviving five realms, if she died to a minor heavenly punishment, what would her epitaph read?

Yin Xun, heiress of the Yin family, who challenged five realms... perished by minor heavenly punishment.

The image was too beautiful to contemplate.

On another note, her younger sister was truly skilled at making money. If not for the ruined reputation of a noble lady, she would surely carve a bloody path through the world of commerce.

It was said her sister’s maternal grandmother came from the royal merchant Wang family; that bloodline was powerful indeed!

If only she could entrust the Xue dowry to her sister to manage—money would breed money, gold mountains, silver mountains...

“Miss, you’re drooling,”

Xi Chi, sitting in the carriage, reminded her.

Jiang Lan quickly wiped her mouth, pretending nonchalance, as if the white traces at her lips weren’t hers.

Jiang Ruoming took a white kerchief from his pocket, “Little Uncle, here.”

Jiang Lan’s face cracked—this wretched child!

“Little Uncle, are you hungry?”

“No!”

“Little Uncle, are you tired?”

“No!”

“Little Uncle, Ming wants to eat Lotus Chicken at Taibai Tower. Shall we detour?”

“...Fine.”