Chapter 11: Stirring Up Trouble (Part One)

Madam Leng sat anxiously in the main hall, awaiting the servant who had been sent out to gather news. Madam Gu had personally brewed her a cup of calming tea, but she only took a single sip before setting it aside.

“Madam, Xiao Si has returned, and the news has been found!” Madam Gu hurried in from outside, her face alight with joy.

A spark of hope lit up in Madam Leng’s heart. She rose from her chair and asked eagerly, “Who is that wretch? Where is she now?” She was determined to break that girl’s legs and throw her into prison. If possible, she wouldn’t hesitate to spend some silver to have her sent off to the army camp.

Xiao Si rushed in, barely pausing to catch his breath, and knelt before Madam Leng. “Madam, the young woman has already left the restaurant. She’s staying in Willow Lane, across the street, right next to the old, abandoned General’s Manor.”

The events of the day had already become the talk of the town. Naturally, An Ran and her master had become the subjects of much curiosity and discussion. With their striking appearance—a master and a young disciple—they drew attention wherever they went. Xiao Si had found out their lodging easily.

“Hmph! Have the constables from the Prefecture arrived yet?” Madam Leng sneered, malicious intent in her eyes and brows.

“Madam, there was a murder at the city moat at noon today, and all the constables were called there! The Prefect himself hasn’t been seen,” Madam Gu replied, head lowered. Seeing Madam Leng remain silent, she added, “There’s no need for the constables to deal with a petty wretch. We just need to...” Madam Gu clenched her teeth and made a throat-slitting gesture.

Madam Leng considered for a moment and nodded slightly. It was thanks to Madam Gu’s support these past years. “Let’s go. Bring more people and come with me.”

An Ran surveyed the courtyard with satisfaction; it was clear Wanxia had chosen the place with care. The house was fully furnished and spotless, as if the previous owners had only just moved out.

Next door was the General’s Manor where she had lived for sixteen years—now abandoned. From her current room’s window, she could see the Chancellor’s Residence across the street, which pleased her greatly.

Reclining in the bath, allowing the hot water to wash over her, An Ran listened to the gentle rush of water while Wanxia stood outside, ready to serve. An Ran’s tone was calm, but her words were full of praise; clearly, she was pleased with their new home.

Suddenly, a thunderous crash echoed from the front yard, followed by a lion’s roar: “Tell that wretched girl An Ran to get out here!”

Unperturbed, An Ran continued to let the petals float toward her in the bath, as if she hadn’t heard a thing. She amused herself, perfectly at ease.

“Miss!” Wanxia called respectfully from behind the screen, awaiting her mistress’s instructions.

An Ran snorted coldly—she was actually a bit eager to see Leng Yiyun’s aged face. This woman, with her foul mouth—what could Lu Anrong possibly see in her? Or perhaps, wretches simply recognized one another.

“Let her wait,” she said.

Wanxia accepted the order and quietly withdrew. Soon, the sound of water filled the room once more.

“Tell that wretch An Ran to get out here! If she doesn’t, break down the door!” Madam Leng stood at the tightly closed gates, shouting, her face twisted with fury as if she wished nothing more than to tear An Ran to pieces. Her eyes were bloodshot, her curses flying, with none of the dignity befitting a lady of a noble family.

Passersby on the street, drawn by the commotion, stopped to watch. Seeing that it was the Chancellor’s people, they gathered to observe, whispering and pointing, their voices a noisy clamor.

Anyue glanced at the loft and, judging the time, saw that it had come. His master’s foresight was, as always, impeccable. He opened the door leisurely, his gaze calm as he looked at Madam Leng and the group of servants behind her, entirely unafraid.

“Old woman, you keep your doors closed in broad daylight—are you perhaps having an illicit affair with that wretched girl An Ran, engaged in something disgraceful?”