Chapter 86: Complementing Each Other

Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Although Xie Muyun’s temperament was somewhat old-fashioned, he was never harsh or malicious. He was also a genuinely good person, even if he could be a bit timid at times.

Scholars, after all, were always a little different from the likes of her own unruly, domineering kin.

“It’s good you know you were wrong. I invited the gentleman here because he is a great scholar. Although his main purpose is to keep an eye on that person, he is also in charge of you lot. Regardless of who you are, or who comes here in the future, you must show him the same respect you do me. Understand?”

“…I understand.”

“Then go and apologize to the gentleman.”

Qingli reluctantly shuffled over, her feet dragging. “I… was wrong.”

The last two words were as faint as a mosquito’s hum, barely audible.

“My ears are not what they used to be; I didn’t catch that,” the old man said.

“Hmph!” Qingli pouted. “Sir, I! Was! Wrong!!”

Jiang Lan frowned, but Old Master Xie just laughed, his hand to his ear, then brought out a wooden bracelet from his sleeve. “Here you go. Since you called me ‘Sir,’ this is yours.”

Qingli examined the bracelet. Though it was made of wood, the carvings on it were exquisite.

Reluctantly, she accepted it, still pouting. “I won’t take advantage of you. I’ll make you something to eat tomorrow.”

Old Master Xie stroked his beard cheerfully, trying to sound calm and indifferent. “No trouble at all. Just make what you did tonight—twenty servings.”

“You!”

Watching the two of them get along so “harmoniously,” Jiang Lan let out a long sigh of relief.

Someone was needed to manage the household. Xichi usually accompanied her everywhere, reminding her of the prominent families in the capital. Qingli was perfectly suited for housekeeping and could also protect Ming. After today’s events, she dared not risk her family’s safety any longer.

Jiang Si had the Jade Bone Fan for protection. Ming, with his yin-yang eyes, would attract malevolent spirits if he carried the protective talisman she gave him—evil beings would covet it and try to seize it. So, Qingli was the safest choice for safeguarding them.

Still, this was only a temporary solution.

The mastermind behind today’s plot, the powerful figures involved, and the seemingly unremarkable Prefect of Jingzhao and the hidden forces behind him—these were all matters that needed to be thoroughly understood.

Jiang Lan glanced at the burlap sack on the ground.

“What kind of ghost is in there?” Old Master Xie asked, eyeing the sack as it struggled more and more.

“To tell the truth, you may not know each other in person, but you’re probably ‘kindred spirits,’” she replied.

“Kindred spirits? Impossible! Other than Confucius and Mencius, I’ve never admired anyone!” the old man declared.

…So he’s a bit of a fanatic, Jiang Lan thought. She decided not to mention Gu Chengwu’s name for now. Elderly scholars cared a great deal about their pride. If he found out it was the Prime Minister, he’d lose face completely.

Jiang Lan approached the sack. “Have you made up your mind? My offer is quite generous. In your lifetime, you accumulated too much resentment and did too many evil deeds. Even in death, you still indulge malevolent ghosts to cause trouble. That’s far from friendly.

You attacked me before I’d even said a word—truly outrageous. If I weren’t skilled, I would have been sent straight to the Underworld.

I’ve decided to subdue you and give you a chance to resolve your grievances. The choice is yours.”

Before the one inside the sack could answer, Qingli had already bristled, rolling up her sleeves, ready to fight. “What! How dare you bully my great immortal! Just you wait—let’s see if I don’t teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!”

As Qingli rummaged for a weapon, Jiang Lan glanced at her slightly pale face.

The sack was quiet for a moment, then a violent shout erupted from inside.

“You mistake kindness for ill intent! I am bound by evil and resentment, often unable to control myself. That’s why I set vengeful spirits outside to frighten intruders. You chose to come here courting death—how dare you blame me now!

And that loudmouthed girl—come on, let’s see who wins in a fair fight! Who subdues whom is still up in the air!”

The voice from within was male, sounding in his twenties. Old Master Xie seemed satisfied, but Qingli was furious.

“Shall I handle this?” the old gentleman offered.

“Step aside!” Qingli said, hands on her hips, glaring at him. “You with your old bones would be eaten alive by this one!”

Jiang Lan watched Old Master Xie’s enthusiasm—he’d clearly acclimated to his newfound teaching duties. She wasn’t trying to belittle him, but Gu Chengwu really wasn’t easy to deal with. Otherwise, would she have dragged him home in a sack?

“Sir, you spent a decade or two in the prison. Haven’t you ever heard rumors about the secret chamber there?”

Old Master Xie shook his head, stroking his beard, and replied slowly, “I devoted myself to my books. How could I pay attention to idle gossip? Those are the tales coarse folks enjoy—nothing worth believing.”

“Scholars and their stubborn pride,” Jiang Lan muttered inwardly. With his air of detachment, she wanted to dump a bucket of cold water on him. So many high officials and nobles conspired to plant their own secret agents, cultivating private power so that at the slightest hint of trouble, they’d be forewarned, able to avoid losses and maximize gains.

No wonder the Crown Prince hadn’t wanted to grant this old man any real influence—he’d just get in the way.

But everything, good or bad, can be useful if applied correctly. People are no different. Gu Chengwu was hot-tempered and ruthless. Though he rose through the imperial exams, he preferred the school of Legalists, delighted in harsh laws and severe punishments.

During his dynasty, the nation was powerful for sixty years. But such severity inevitably led to rebellion.

He served several emperors, and under the last one, he dominated court politics, enforcing harsh laws throughout the land. Unsurprisingly, his end was grim—one need only look at the evil aura and resentment surrounding him.

Xie Muyun, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.

Upright and incorruptible, he never formed factions or pursued private interests. Though he was the Crown Prince’s tutor, he openly told colleagues he belonged to no party.

That such a man survived made Jiang Lan think the deposed Crown Prince might not have been as lacking in virtue as the history books claimed. At least he tolerated a teacher who openly refused to take sides.

Clearly, the truth was more complicated. But history is written by the victors. Emperor Chen Xu went from Prince of Qin to Crown Prince, then to the throne—not without cunning. Unfortunately, he brought a conqueror’s brutality to his reign. If he’d waited a few more years before campaigning against Northern Qi, perhaps the later disasters could have been avoided.

One was hot-tempered and shrewd, the other stubborn and principled. They seemed utterly incompatible, yet together they were a perfect counterbalance.

Of course, only as long as she remained in control.

“Who are you calling old and feeble, Qingli? You’re too harsh, child!”

“Step aside! Can’t you see I’m dealing with outsiders here? We’ll settle our own matters later.”

“No, you must apologize first.”

“Are you looking for trouble?”

“Mind your manners. Apologize to me.”

“I won’t.”

“You—!”

…

Watching the quarreling demon and ghost, Jiang Lan could only shoulder the sack and vanish from the courtyard, helpless.