Chapter Seventy-Three: Envy

Jiang Lan eyed the pile of iron scraps below, squinting thoughtfully. Then she stood up and packed them all into her mystical pouch.

“Hey, hey, hey! Mortal, what are you doing?” Chifeng, having just swallowed a mouthful of horse-hoof cake, rushed over, trying to stop Jiang Lan’s actions.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Jiang Lan rolled her eyes. She only needed to pack what belonged to her.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant! I’m asking why you’re keeping this trash? This may just be where I’m temporarily staying, but at least call it a divine mansion! Usually, when you stash charms, people, or demons here, I let it slide. I even take care of that sapling for you every day out of kindness. But this kind of garbage won’t do! There’s a limit to what I can tolerate!”

Chifeng was determined, lifting a leg and stomping on the iron scraps. His brightly colored, floral pants dazzled Jiang Lan’s eyes, nearly blinding her.

With one hand, Jiang Lan sent the fool sprawling to the floor, pressing her knee into his back. “I’ve tolerated you calling me ‘mortal’ all this time, but don’t push your luck. I may not kill, but if needed, roasting a bird or two over a fire isn’t out of the question.”

Chifeng felt the world spin suddenly. Before he could react, he was pinned to the ground, his arm wrenched painfully.

Ignoring the pain in his arm, Chifeng gaped in shock. “He actually got overpowered in his own barrier!”

Was this person even human? The domain’s suppression didn’t work at all. What kind of monster was she? He might have been better off staying quietly inside the pouch…

With a heart full of turmoil, the great demon Chifeng obediently hugged a pile of iron scraps and retreated into the mystical pouch, even taking the barrier with him.

After Chifeng left, Jiang Lan surveyed her newly arranged formation with satisfaction. She walked to the Eight Immortals table, stepped lightly on a raised button on the floor, and instantly, a cerulean shield of light enveloped the entire cell.

With a “clap,” Jiang Lan applauded her own cleverness—truly not bad.

Not only could it block outside interference, it could also gather spiritual energy and collect yin energy. In the future, Tutu and the others could even cultivate here. Excellent, truly excellent.

The only thing missing was a time artifact; what a pity, what a pity…

Jiang Lan dismissed the formation, obediently lay back on her couch, closed her senses, and began to restore her spirit.

She hadn’t even rested for a quarter of an hour before Jiang Si and her entourage arrived.

The jailer unlocked the cell. Jiang Si entered, wearing her felt hat. The surroundings were open, with only one wall, so she hadn’t removed it upon entering.

Although her features remained unseen along the way, her faintly discernible figure still stirred up a commotion among the inmates.

When they reached Cell B, things calmed down somewhat. The surrounding youths were all literate and well-mannered; though they harbored admiration, they only stole a few glances and refrained from any improper behavior.

Escorted by four guards, Jiang Lan arrived at Cell B-23.

Chunming carried a food box, Xichi placed a black lacquered case on the Eight Immortals table, then shifted the table to the center from beside the couch.

Jiang Lan rose, and a maid immediately presented a handkerchief to cleanse her hands. Smiling at her sister, who still wore her felt hat, she said with some concern, “If there’s nothing urgent, just send a few reliable people next time. You don’t need to come in person every time.”

Jiang Si, in her white felt hat, shook her head solemnly. “No, I must come every time.”

Jiang Lan settled onto the cushion. “What are you afraid of? They wouldn’t dare poison me.”

“They might not, but you never know what other villains might do. Brother, have you forgotten how many times you were stabbed last time? It was said to be for offending the Princess of Liang, but even then, that was excessive. You must take care of yourself.”

Jiang Si rolled up her sleeves and poured Jiang Lan a cup of clear tea.

“You’ve never told me the truth of what happened that day, and I’ve never pressed you. But no matter what, I’ll never believe you would deliberately offend that Princess of Liang as they claim.”

Jiang Lan nodded. In her memories of that night, there was no princess—only a shadow guard who spoke of a princess and met the original host.

“I’m not doing this for your sake. Just stay quietly in the manor; if you like business, do business. If you enjoy banquets, attend a few. If not, just come home. Everything outside—let me handle it.”

Beneath the felt hat, Jiang Si’s lips pursed ever so slightly. Even now, with her brother in prison, he still spoke with such authority. It was a bit comical, but her heart felt warm.

Her brother had always stood silently behind her. Now, he stood before her.

She wondered when she had grown used to having her brother shield her. Was it that time with Fang Yi? Or when he sought out their cousin for the county lord’s favor? Or was it when the Flying Feather Guards came to their door?

“I know you’re capable, but when do you plan to return home?”

Jiang Si, serving Jiang Lan more food but not eating herself, replied, “On my way here, I saw a crowd gathered before the yamen. It looked as though they were standing up for you. That Qin Shu must be in a tight spot by now.”

“A large crowd?”

Jiang Si nodded, lowering her felt hat further.

“I heard there were even more earlier, nearly taking up half the street.”

“Did something happen? Why are people suddenly petitioning for me?” With her current reputation, Jiang Lan was only slightly better off than Zhao Yang. The thought of the public petitioning on her behalf—she’d never dare imagine it, even with a tiger’s courage.

She took a big gulp of tea to steady herself. “Are you joking?”

Jiang Si shook her head, piling Jiang Lan’s bowl into a little “pyramid” once again.

“You must know from managing the estate about Xue Dafu’s misdeeds. These people did all sorts of wicked things, but before, no one knew. Now, all the blame has fallen on you because you punished the evil servants and ended up in jail. Of course, some people are concerned. And today, they dug up a number of skeletal remains of women from Xue Dafu’s residence and even from the mountain behind. The whole capital is in an uproar. Many of the women’s families got word. They’d thought their loved ones had just been sold off, but never imagined they’d met such a fate. Though they’re grieving, they’re also deeply grateful to you. That’s why they’ve come as families to seek justice for you.”

Jiang Lan sighed. The air outside was still bearable; the sun was just a bit glaring.

“When you leave, send someone to rent a teahouse and provide refreshments for those families outside. Send some to the yamen as well, then persuade everyone to go home.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Lan paused, curiosity piqued. “Aren’t you even a little curious why I’m giving up such a good chance to press the advantage?”

“You must have your own reasons.”

A smile curved Jiang Lan’s lips; even the white pork in front of her tasted a little better.

By noon, many families of some means sent food to the prison.

But now, none of the inmates in the two rows of Cell B had any appetite. Over at Cell 23, not only were there delicacies, but also a beautiful, considerate sister—truly the envy of all.