Chapter Sixty-One: Lin Tianyu Arrives

This little woman’s husband’s family name was He, so Banxia called her Sister He. When Sister He first arrived and saw the county office’s imposing gates, she nearly turned back in fright—common folk always had a natural fear of officialdom. However, glancing at her daughter’s frail figure, she forced herself to stay. She took Banxia for a housekeeper of the estate, never expecting her to be the magistrate’s wife. The thought that she had clung to the magistrate’s wife’s hand, refusing to let her leave, terrified her; she feared she might be thrown in jail.

Banxia said nothing, merely instructed her on her daily duties, and summoned Lu Ying to identify her. There was a small side room by the kitchen, not spacious, but enough for her and her child to live in. Banxia was never fully at ease with someone hired so suddenly, watched coldly for half a month, but Sister He’s homestyle cooking was quite good, though she was extremely frugal, using little oil. Banxia had to correct her several times before she improved. Her daughter, upon arrival, had dull eyes and a sallow, thin face, but after half a month of care, she grew noticeably plumper and fairer, even smiling sometimes when Banxia teased her.

During this time, Gansu sent Hanshui back twice, bringing more supplies each time, always leaving in haste. Lin Tianyu, however, had yet to visit, and Banxia began to worry something might have happened to him. Finally, on the second day, Lin Tianyu arrived.

“What happened? Didn’t you say you’d be here in two days?”

“Don’t mention it, luck was terrible.” Lin Tianyu’s anger flared as he recounted the ordeal. He had packed and was ready to leave for Mo Pond; his two guards had gone to the city gate to meet others. Hearing from the innkeeper about a manor outside town with excellent tea, he thought to buy some for Gansu. On the way, he saw a young girl being robbed—he couldn’t allow such injustice, so he rushed to help. The chase led him into increasingly remote areas, only to discover the girl could fight, feigning weakness to toy with the foolish thieves. His well-intentioned intervention ended up causing more trouble, and both tumbled down the mountain.

It took five days to climb back up, and worse still, his wound reopened.

“You wouldn’t believe it—her face was innocent and lively, but her temper was fiery and fierce. The day before yesterday, I said a few words to her, she disappeared, I searched all yesterday, couldn't find her, only arrived today.”

“Is that girl… the one?” Banxia pointed out the window. Lin Tianyu followed her gaze and saw a round-faced beauty glowering at him from outside. “Fiery temper, fierce nature? Very well, I’ll remember you.” With that, she spun on her heel and left.

“What’s she doing here?”

“Miss Shanzhi is Master Anzi’s martial arts teacher’s junior—she’s here to be my maid.” But Banxia dared not treat her as a maid; on her first day, to prove her strength, Shanzhi lifted the stone table in the courtyard—at least two hundred pounds.

“With someone so fierce, you dare let her be your maid? Might leave any day if she’s annoyed. I’ll find you a gentle, obedient one—give her to me.”

Oh? Something interesting. “That wouldn’t be right. You don’t seem to like her much; best not to hurt each other.”

“Hey, no…” Lin Tianyu froze, staring into the courtyard. “Why is that person here?”

Banxia looked as well. “That’s Lu Ying, Master Lu—the martial arts teacher for both Shanzhi and Anzi. Do you know him?”

“How could I not?” Lin Tianyu gritted his teeth, striding out. “Commander Lu, such leisurely days! Abandoning your post as Imperial Guard Commander to hide in this small county as a martial arts teacher?”

Lu Ying clearly hadn’t expected Lin Tianyu to expose him so bluntly. “I am simply fulfilling a debt. The Grand Tutor once saved my life; now he orders me to follow Master Gan, so I must obey.”

“Is it really that simple?”

“It is. If the General doubts me, I have nothing more to say.”

“It had better be so. If I discover any plots against the Gan family or Anzi, I will not let you off.”

“Enough, you’ve traveled hard and are still recovering. Rest for now. I trust Master Lu.” Banxia intervened, ushering Lin Tianyu inside.

Banxia sensed everything was beginning to connect. She looked up intently at Lu Ying. “Anzi’s father—is it that person?” She pointed to the sky.

Lu Ying remained silent.

“Master Lu, you’ve stayed in my home long enough to know my character. Secrets heard by me remain here. Just nod or shake your head.”

“I’ll ask once more: is Anzi truly that man’s child?”

“Yes.”

No wonder Gansu avoided speaking of Anzi’s father; no wonder Lu Ying, so capable, would only guard Anzi; no wonder Gansu cared so much for Anzi’s education. Banxia felt as if struck by thunder.

“Madam Gan, rest assured. His Majesty is a man of deep thought; he will only bring the young master home when all is secure.”

Though Lu Ying spoke confidently, Banxia knew these words were mere comfort. Since ancient times, battles for succession were bloody affairs; to sit upon the dragon throne, one must tread upon others’ corpses. Banxia knew she could not oppose royal power—her only option was to treat Anzi even better.

Gansu had instructed Lin Tianyu to visit Deputy Wei immediately upon arrival, but Lin Tianyu, seeing everything orderly and no sign of bandits or rebels, enjoyed his leisure, spending his days around Shanzhi.

Shanzhi behaved like a true maid—fetching water for Anzi in the morning, attending while he read, guarding him as he slept. Banxia knew this was likely arranged by that person, so she let it be, little expecting Anzi to be displeased.

That night, Anzi clung to Banxia. She thought he was upset, but he sent Shanzhi to the kitchen to make soup, then nestled in Banxia’s arms, whining, “Sister, can you not let Sister Shanzhi follow me?”

“Why? Don’t you like her?”

“She always helps me do this and that, but I’m already a big boy—I can dress myself, bathe myself, sleep by myself.” The more Anzi spoke, the more agitated he became, clearly long dissatisfied.

Banxia soothed him. “If you don’t like her, tell her so. But you must behave and not do anything dangerous, alright? Especially like climbing trees…”

“I know, I know.”

Boys, as they grow, become especially mischievous. Banxia hadn’t noticed before, but lately, playing with Wei Yuan, Anzi grew increasingly playful. Just a few days ago, she took her eyes off him for a moment, and he’d climbed the yellow camphor tree in the courtyard. The two boys went up but dared not come down, crying loudly until Lu Ying and Shanzhi each carried one down.

Shanzhi brought in the soup. Anzi, feeling guilty about tattling, bolted outside. Shanzhi was about to chase him when Banxia called her back. “Miss Shanzhi, let’s talk. Don’t worry, your elder brother will watch Anzi; it’s fine.”

Shanzhi placed the soup on the table and stood aside. “Madam, do you have instructions?”

“Sit, let’s talk. I know you were sent here by someone, and I know your purpose…”

“I’m not—”

“Let me finish. Your duty is to care for Anzi. You believe the best way is to do everything for him, but I hope you understand—Anzi is a person, not a vessel for everything you wish to give. He has his own likes and dislikes, so when you help him, please ask if he needs your help, alright?”

“But my duty is to care for the young master.”

“But now you are in my house. Here, you must follow our customs. My custom is not to spoil children, and I hope you can do the same. Think carefully—if you can’t decide, write to your master for guidance. Until then, please refrain from appearing before Anzi.”

Shanzhi withdrew, and Banxia massaged her throbbing temples. Suddenly, she missed Gansu terribly; if he were here, he would surely think of a better solution.

People cannot help but think of those they miss. The next day at noon, Banxia awoke from her nap to find Gansu beside her. “You’re back?”

“Yes, I’m back.” Gansu tried to embrace her, but Banxia pushed him away. “Don’t hug me, you smell terrible! Did you go muck out latrines?”

Gansu sniffed himself, thinking it wasn’t so bad. “Is it really that bad? The villages I passed through had poor conditions; I couldn’t ask them to boil water for my bath, so…”

“So you didn’t bathe for days? Ugh! What demon has possessed my Gansu’s body? Leave at once, or I’ll find a priest to exorcise you!” Banxia made a mock gesture, exorcising spirits. Gansu was usually a bit fastidious—now tolerating grime seemed as if he’d been replaced.

“Well then, since you’ve seen through me, this king shall devour you, bite by bite…”

“No, don’t, I haven’t bathed…”

“Perfect! I haven’t bathed either. Beauty, let’s bathe together.” Gansu swept Banxia up and carried her to the bathhouse.

After their playful bath, Banxia was left exhausted, limp on the bed, biting her pillow. “You’re getting more outrageous, always bullying me.”

Gansu kissed her flushed cheek. “How is it bullying? I missed you. Missed you so very much.” He grew excited again.

“Stop, Anzi will be here soon.”

After his midday nap, Anzi always came to Banxia’s room. Judging the time, Banxia hurried to dress and open the window for air. Gansu, chest slightly bare, lounged lazily on the bed.

“Put your clothes on.” Banxia blushed.

“No, I’m hot.”

Hot, my foot—April’s weather, one layer and you’re hot? How are you not dead from heat? Before she could retort, Anzi pattered in. “Brother-in-law, you’re back? Was the village fun? Any good food?”

Banxia watched their closeness and felt a pang of envy. The little rascal had found someone new and forgotten her—she’d doted on him for nothing.

“Sister, what’s that red mark on your neck? Did a bug bite you?”

“Ah, that…”

“Your sister was bitten by a bug—a big bug,” Lin Tianyu said, entering with a mischievous wink at Banxia.

Clearly, this room was no longer suitable. “I’ll go downstairs and pour you some tea.”

“Well, Master Gan, you look quite refreshed in broad daylight.”

Gansu shot him a look, calmly putting on his clothes. “When did you arrive? Why didn’t anyone notify me?”

“I got here two days ago. Nothing much happening, so I didn’t contact you. Is there really something urgent?”

“There is. Tonight, I’ll take you somewhere.”