Chapter 80: Ripples

Jing Yijun led Yang Yaozong out of the heir’s residence and fired a signal arrow into the sky, notifying Qin Haizhou and the others so they would not continue to worry about Yang Yaozong. Then, together with Yin Ruyun, she returned to Yin Ruxin’s small courtyard.

Yin Ruxin had been waiting in the courtyard for Yin Ruyun’s return, never expecting the princess would bring Yang Yaozong to her. She looked at Jing Yijun with deep gratitude. Her heart and eyes were wholly occupied with worry for Yang Yaozong, so she did not notice that Yin Ruyun was carrying a dried corpse on her back. Rushing to Jing Yijun’s side, she saw Yang Yaozong’s forehead swollen and bruised, his lips bloodless, needing the princess’s support to stand. Her beautiful eyes, already misted, could no longer hold back tears, which now flowed freely.

Jing Yijun maintained her cold demeanor, intending to hand Yang Yaozong over to Yin Ruxin and leave, but Yang Yaozong clamped onto Jing Yijun’s arm, which was supporting him, and said to Yin Ruxin, who had already taken his other arm, “Xiner, don’t worry about me right now. Go see your sister—she must have something to tell you. And I have something I need to say to the princess.” Yang Yaozong knew that Yin Ruyun had already discovered Jing Yijun’s identity, so naturally Yin Ruxin was aware as well. Thus, he spoke openly in front of Yin Ruxin, referring to Jing Yijun as the princess.

Jing Yijun felt somewhat embarrassed that Yang Yaozong had forcibly kept her there in front of Yin Ruxin, but it was difficult to pull away and leave. She could only allow Yang Yaozong to stubbornly hold onto her arm.

It was only then that Yin Ruxin noticed the dried corpse on Yin Ruyun’s back. She frowned gracefully, took Yang Yaozong’s pulse, and said gently, “Your internal injuries are severe. Let me treat you first. I’ll ask Ruyi to prepare hot water for you. You should soak in a medicinal bath to restore yourself.”

Yang Yaozong shook his head earnestly. “Your sister’s situation is more important than mine. My injuries are nothing, I won’t die. After you finish talking with her, both of you come see me together. I have something for you both. Besides, the princess is skilled in medicine—I’ll be fine.”

Yin Ruxin frowned at Yang Yaozong, annoyed. “Don’t speak of death so lightly! Nonsense!” Then she bowed to Jing Yijun and said, “Princess, please, could you bring Yaozong to my bedroom to rest?”

Yang Yaozong lay on Yin Ruxin’s embroidered bed, looking at Jing Yijun standing at the bedside. He patted the edge of the bed and said softly, “Yijun, sit down. I have something to tell you.”

Jing Yijun frowned—she did not wish to sit on Yin Ruxin’s embroidered bed. She brought a round stool from the table, set it by the bed, and sat down, looking at Yang Yaozong with icy eyes. She knew he was about to explain why he had concealed from Yin Ruxin his involvement with Heir Jing Min. Yet, seeing Yang Yaozong endure his pain tugged at her heart; after an internal struggle, she finally extended her hand to his wrist, feeling his pulse, though her tone remained cold: “Speak, I’m listening.”

Yang Yaozong sensed Jing Yijun’s concern for him and smiled, nodding. “The dried corpse you saw is the master of Yin Ruxin and her sister. According to Heir Jing Min, their master originally helped Prince Qin, but for reasons unknown, later refused to continue. She knew too much, so Prince Qin ordered her death. But their master not only possessed deep martial skills, she also knew poisons well, so killing her wasn’t easy. I don’t know where Prince Qin found a poison called Fragrant Jin.”

As he spoke, Jing Yijun was channeling true energy to repair Yang Yaozong’s damaged meridians. At the mention of Fragrant Jin, she was surprised; as far as she knew, that legendary poison had long since vanished.

Yang Yaozong noticed her reaction, knowing she understood this poison. The invigorating sensation coursing through his meridians eased the burning and swelling in his chest. He nodded, “Yes. There’s only one way to counter this poison. Heir Jing Min said their master could have survived but chose death.”

Jing Yijun understood Yang Yaozong’s meaning. Thinking of the antidote for Fragrant Jin, which involved jade essence, she nodded softly, “Setting aside her work for Prince Qin, judging by her death, she was indeed a person of noble character.”

Yang Yaozong continued, “If I hadn’t been captured by Heir Jing Min at dawn, today was the day Yin Ruxin was to reveal her true identity to me. I don’t know all the details of their master’s identity, but I do know one thing—they are all Miao people from Xiangxi.”

At the mention of the Miao people from Xiangxi, Jing Yijun’s beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Yang Yaozong. “Meng Kuo, whom we’re investigating, is suspected to be Miao. He interacts daily with Drunken Dust, which involves Yin Ruxin, who is closely connected to Heir Jing Min…” She sifted through all the information about these people. Then she said, “So you deduced that Yin Ruxin was involved in Heir Jing Min’s plot to escape, and you knew she had a martial artist at her side whose skills matched mine. You feared she’d help Jing Min escape, so you had me support Qin Haizhou, didn’t you?”

Yang Yaozong looked at Jing Yijun approvingly. “Exactly. I was uncertain at first, but it’s better to be thorough than to make mistakes.” He pondered for a moment, then frowned. “Yin Ruxin told me the Miao people have long suffered oppression from the Han—hungry, cold, with grievances unaddressed. Their master left Xiangxi to seek help for her people. I think her master was used by Prince Qin, and when she realized she’d been deceived, she fell victim to him. Then Prince Qin likely used her death and related matters to trick Yin Ruxin and her sister, making them continue to serve him. But this is just my speculation. Yin Ruyun learned of Heir Jing Min’s murder of her master and wanted to kill him, but I stopped her. Jing Min mustn’t die yet; he still restrains Prince Qin. As for whether Prince Qin intends rebellion or some scheme, I think Yin Ruxin will know more. Now her master’s cause of death is clear, I expect she’ll tell me everything. This will help us anticipate Prince Qin’s moves and plan accordingly. I’d wanted to finish things with Jing Min and then personally head north to the capital, but it seems I must recover first.”

Yang Yaozong realized he’d spoken at length, yet his chest no longer hurt badly, nor did he feel weak. He said excitedly, “Yijun, you’re amazing, I… I…” He coughed, his excitement aggravating his injury.

Jing Yijun quickly used her other hand to ease his breathing, scolding, “Don’t rush, and don’t talk anymore—I understand your meaning. I won’t speak of Yin Ruxin’s situation to others. Whatever her reasons for serving Prince Qin, you must guarantee she won’t repeat her mistakes. I’ll only conceal it this once. I’m just helping you clear your meridians now. The damage is severe, and there’s blood that needs to be expelled; this won’t heal in a day or two. You’ve worked hard these days, so take this time to rest. Let Qin Haizhou handle other matters. I’ll ask Elder Mu to check your condition.” Jing Yijun also understood the oppression the Miao people suffered—though all were subjects of Great Zhou, ethnic tensions were difficult to resolve. The local officials often deceived the court, but the imperial government was not wholly unaware and had issued many mediating laws, though none very effective. Hearing Yang Yaozong’s intention to go north himself, she remembered how he always worked for the court, feeling both grateful and concerned for him.

After a pause, Yang Yaozong said, “I have one last matter. Now that I’ve fallen out with Heir Jing Min, send more people to tightly control his residence, so news of his failed escape won’t spread. While I’m recuperating, you and Brother Qin will have to work harder. If anything important comes up, just come here to consult me. Oh, about the riot at Yingtian Prefecture prison—”

Jing Yijun, seeing that his arrangements would never end, interrupted him, “I know. I’ll take care of it. General Qin has already learned some details about the prison riot and came to see you this morning. He told me there was a murder near Nangong Mansion; two patrolling officers died. When Qin and I analyzed the situation, we suspected you were in trouble, so he went out to search for you. The signal arrow I fired after finding you was our agreed signal. If something important arises, I’ll come here. You just focus on healing. I hope you recover soon. My father…” At the mention of her father, Jing Yijun’s hand trembled as she channeled true energy into Yang Yaozong’s meridians. Her beautiful eyes showed deep exhaustion, and her voice quivered, “Last night, when I returned to the palace, my father had already heard of the prison incident and fainted from anger. Fortunately, Lord Qin and Lord Zuo kept the other ministers outside. When I checked his meridians, I found they were depleted. I don’t know how much longer he can hold on.”

Yang Yaozong had never seen the ethereal Jing Yijun look so weary and fragile; his heart ached inexplicably. He turned his hand to grasp hers tightly and asked with concern, “How long has it been since you properly rested? Even immortals need rest, don’t they? If not for yourself, think of the emperor and the crown prince. Notify Qin Haizhou to come here directly if anything arises. Don’t worry—regarding Yin Ruxin, I’ll handle it. For the next few days, don’t go to the general store; stay in the palace and accompany the emperor. I promise I’ll recover quickly!”

Jing Yijun felt his firm grip and his genuine care. The burdens of the emperor, the crown prince, the secret bureau, and so many other matters had pushed her to the limits of endurance. Though she was the princess of Great Zhou, she was still only a twenty-year-old girl. The pressure overwhelmed her, and a clear tear dropped onto Yang Yaozong’s hand, stirring a ripple in the lake of their souls, bringing clarity to feelings they had long struggled to define.

Yang Yaozong tightened his hold, about to offer more comfort, but Jing Yijun, almost fleeing, pulled away, stood up, and wiped her tears. The sudden clarity of her feelings for Yang Yaozong made her anxious and afraid. She remembered the bracelet she had given him was still with her, so she took it out and placed it on his wrist, feigning composure. “Rest well. I’ll go now.”

Yang Yaozong looked at the bracelet he had deliberately thrown into the grass, knowing Jing Yijun must have found it and confirmed his trouble. He watched as Jing Yijun was about to leave and said, “Thank you, Yijun! I won’t lose this bracelet again.”

Jing Yijun paused, her heart fluttering, but did not turn back. “Don’t thank me. You should thank the Yin sisters. Without them, you might have already…” She stopped herself out of caution, then added, “They saved you. Rest well.” With those words, she walked out.