Magical Artifact

"It's good that you realize your mistake now."

"I happen to be leaving on a long journey myself, and won't be back for some time."

Hu Xingniang gently patted Yang Surong on the back, then let go and said, "Since there's no one at home, if you wish, Surong, you may stay here."

"Granny, how could I possibly accept such kindness?" Yang Surong felt rather embarrassed.

"You have nowhere else to go, so just stay here for now. I'm about to leave on a trip, and the house will be left unattended. If you stay, I do have one request: you'll need to keep the courtyard tidy."

Hu Xingniang took Yang Surong's hand, patted it, and spoke with warmth.

"Very well, I promise I will keep everything spotless," Yang Surong replied with a nod.

"Surong, go inside and find an empty room to rest in. I have something to discuss with Young Master Li," Hu Xingniang said.

"Alright, I'll leave you to your conversation," Yang Surong agreed, then walked into the courtyard by herself.

"Auntie, how did you get so badly injured? Who did this to you?" Li Xintian asked once Yang Surong had left.

"It was Hu Xin. In a few days, the emperor will have a magical artifact brought to Yunxiang Temple for suppression. Hu Xin fears I might become an obstacle, so he came looking for trouble with me. My journey is merely to recover from my wounds," Hu Xingniang concealed part of the truth, not revealing everything to Li Xintian.

"A magical artifact? What is that?" This was Li Xintian's first time hearing of such a thing, and he was intrigued.

"A magical artifact is something that can enhance one's cultivation and make one more powerful," Hu Xingniang explained.

"I must tend to my injuries now. Young Master Li, be wary of Hu Xin." She gestured for Xiaohui to assist her.

"Take care, Auntie," Li Xintian said with a respectful salute.

Hu Xingniang waved her hand and, leaning on Xiaohui, departed.

Li Xintian did not enter the courtyard; instead, he closed the gate and left.

When he returned to the Hong residence, he encountered Uncle Wen, who asked him to go to the magistrate's office.

Mingyun County Magistrate's Office.

"How is the situation being handled, Lord Magistrate?" Hong Tianyun asked after inspecting the deceased.

"The magistrate has already reported everything to the emperor. His Majesty has decided to bestow a magical artifact for suppression at Yunxiang Temple. However, renovating the temple will be enormously expensive," Tang Zhong replied.

"How much more silver do we need to fully restore Yunxiang Temple?" Hong Tianyun inquired.

"We're still short five hundred taels. Yesterday, our brothers in the office managed to raise twenty taels, so we still lack four hundred and eighty," Tang Zhong said honestly.

"Four hundred and eighty taels still needed?" Hong Tianyun’s voice rose. "How are we supposed to collect so much in such a short time?"

"My lord, there are many merchants in the county who wish to curry favor with you. I know you usually keep your distance, but given the urgency, perhaps you could ask for their help? Request donations from them?"

Tang Zhong offered his suggestion.

"You're right," Hong Tianyun conceded. "Very well, I'll personally invite them to my home as guests and find a way to persuade them to contribute."

"Yes, my lord. I'll see to it at once," Tang Zhong replied with a bow, then departed.

"Tianyun, do you need something from me?" Li Xintian arrived just after Tang Zhong had left.

"Brother Zhixian, I've reported all that's happened in the county to the magistrate. Now the emperor has bestowed a magical artifact for Yunxiang Temple's protection, but there have been too many recent murders; we've just received news that the temple's caretaker has disappeared," Hong Tianyun explained, finding the case increasingly difficult.

"That may be for the best, though your official career may come to an end," Li Xintian noted, understanding Hong Tianyun's predicament.

"Once the case is closed, I intend to resign and return home," Hong Tianyun replied, resigned to his fate.

"Don't dwell on it. Come—let's get something good to eat," Li Xintian said, deliberately avoiding mention of Yang Surong, as that was a family matter for Hong Tianyun. He gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Li Xintian never cared for the taste of wine, so he didn't drink.

"I've been preoccupied with the case since you arrived and haven't had the chance to treat you to a proper meal. This time, it's on me," Hong Tianyun said, knowing Li Xintian didn't drink, and readily agreed to his invitation.

"Of course, this is your territory. If you didn't treat me, would you have me treat you instead?" Li Xintian joked.

This made Hong Tianyun laugh heartily.

That evening,

Tang Zhong brought a young man to the main hall of the Hong residence.

"My lord, I am Hu Xin, newly arrived in the county, hoping to start a small business here," Hu Xin said with a bow.

Hong Tianyun did not reply to him, but looked at Tang Zhong.

"My lord, Mr. Hu comes from the capital, is extremely wealthy, and is willing to donate five hundred taels to help us restore Yunxiang Temple," Tang Zhong explained.

"Brother Hu, are you truly willing to donate five hundred taels?" Hong Tianyun’s spirits lifted at the news; the magical artifact was now within reach.

"Indeed, I have always enjoyed helping others and doing good wherever I go. Knowing that the funds are for the restoration of Yunxiang Temple and for the benefit of the people, I am happy to contribute," Hu Xin replied.

"However, I have a small request," he added.

"Please, Brother Hu, go ahead," Hong Tianyun said.

"I agree to donate five hundred taels, but on the day the magical artifact arrives at Yunxiang Temple, may I be permitted to offer the first incense?" Hu Xin asked.

"Of course, that presents no problem. Your donation is already the greatest help to our county," Hong Tianyun agreed to Hu Xin's request.

"In that case, I shall take my leave. When the artifact arrives, simply send word to my residence," Hu Xin said with evident satisfaction.

"Tang Zhong, see Brother Hu out for me," Hong Tianyun instructed.

"Yes, my lord," Tang Zhong replied with a bow. "This way, Mr. Hu," he said, gesturing politely.

"My lord, farewell!" Hu Xin bowed before taking his leave.

In Yu Bao's room,

Hong Tianyun sat beside Yu Bao, reading a book, while Xiaodie stood nearby, quickly fanning her.

"Why are you fanning so vigorously? Do you want to make me ill?" Yu Bao snapped at Xiaodie.

With no choice, Xiaodie slowed her fanning.

"Yu Bao, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Hong Tianyun set his book down and asked.

"Husband, the child is kicking again. I feel so uncomfortable," Yu Bao said softly, caressing her belly.

Hong Tianyun couldn't help but smile at that.

"We're going to bed soon. Go fetch some water for me to wash my feet," Yu Bao instructed Xiaodie, fully exercising her favored position over Yang Surong, the principal wife.

"The madam never asked me to fetch water for her," Xiaodie muttered, having already sparred with the principal wife earlier that morning and now sounding even more sharp-tongued.

"The madam has never been pregnant. How can you compare? Now that I'm with child, it's different," Yu Bao replied, stroking her belly.

"Xiaodie, Yu Bao truly can't move around easily now. Please be patient," Hong Tianyun interceded quickly, afraid Yu Bao would be upset if Xiaodie protested further.

"Alright," Xiaodie replied, nodding and then leaving the room.

"Yu Bao, what's the matter today? Are you in a bad mood?" Hong Tianyun asked after Xiaodie had left.

"Yes, the baby keeps kicking me so I don't want to eat or sleep. I feel terrible, and I don't care about anything else," Yu Bao complained, her hand on her belly.

"I want you to stay with me tonight," Yu Bao demanded.

"Of course, of course, I'll stay with you tonight. How does that sound?" Hong Tianyun replied with a smile.

Xiaodie returned, carrying a wooden basin and a towel. She entered the room and set them down on the floor.