MFURCC -Chapter 73 Walking the Long Street at Night

The Old Madam and Liuzheng were simply too close.

Every time Madam Song wanted to make a move, she had to take the Old Madam into consideration.

So ever since the Old Madam returned, she had been restrained at every turn, unsure how to deal with Liuzheng.

As a result, she was constantly limited and stuck in a passive position.

But if she could plant a seed of suspicion about Liuzheng in the Old Madam’s heart, then perhaps in the future she wouldn’t have to do anything at all—the Old Madam herself would remove Liuzheng.

And going to the temple to pray was the perfect opportunity.

With that thought, the First Madam nodded without hesitation.

“This daughter-in-law is willing to go along. I can also seek a peace talisman for Changzheng.”

She added, “Should we call Yaoyao as well? She’ll be taking office soon. Let her burn a few sticks of incense and pray for smooth sailing in her official career.”

The Old Madam nodded. “I’ll ask her whether she wants to go.”

Then she turned to Madam Song with a few words of admonition.

“Yaoyao is your daughter too. You cannot favor one and neglect the other.”

“As for the foolish things you’ve done recently, I can temporarily excuse them as grief over Changzheng’s injury, blaming it on her.”

“But in truth, Changzheng was beaten by imperial decree. You shouldn’t lay that account on Yaoyao.”

“Besides, Yaoyao is now your only hope. If things escalate beyond repair, the one who suffers the loss will be you.”

Madam Song nodded repeatedly.

“Mother is right. This daughter-in-law will remember your teachings. There is no overnight enmity between mother and daughter. In recent days, I was indeed too grief-stricken over Changzheng and lost my clarity.”

“If that is how you think, then I will also speak for you in front of Yaoyao.”

“Many thanks, Mother.”

“Mm. I’ll ask her later whether she has time to go offer incense. Have the servants prepare what we need for tomorrow. I’ll be going back now.”

“Mother, take care.”

Madam Song watched the Old Madam leave.

But the moment the Old Madam’s figure disappeared completely from sight, the respect in Madam Song’s eyes vanished, replaced by a coldness like ancient ice.

“The Old Madam is far too biased!”

“She hasn’t even figured out the truth, yet she insists that Changzheng’s broken leg has nothing to do with that wretched creature.”

“She even thinks everything I’ve done is wrong.”

“But why doesn’t she think about why I despise that wretched creature so much?”

“If she were truly good, would I treat her this way?”

“If a person is hated, there must be a reason to be hated.”

“But the Old Madam never considers that. In her heart, that wretched creature can do no wrong.”

“In her heart, that wretched creature has become the hope of the entire household.”

“But has she ever thought that originally Changzheng was our family’s hope? It was that wretched creature who stole everything from Changzheng!”

Nanny Qi listened at the side, not daring to respond.

After all, Ruan Changzheng’s broken leg involved the current Emperor.

The First Madam might be muddled with anger and dare to bring it up again, but she did not dare to speak recklessly.

She only said, “Madam, you must take care of your health. Don’t anger yourself.”

Madam Song withdrew her gaze. “I will take care of myself. I still have to live to see the day Changzheng makes something of himself—and the day that wretched creature pays the price!”

She nearly ground the words out between her teeth.

…

Night gradually fell, and the sky was scattered with stars like chess pieces across a board.

Liuzheng slept restlessly.

In her dream, a black dog was tearing at her legs.

She tried to flee, but her limbs would not move. She could only watch helplessly as the vicious beast tore a large chunk of flesh from her leg.

“Help me… help me…”

Just then, a tall figure suddenly appeared and, with a single stroke of his sword, severed the dog’s head.

Blood splashed into Liuzheng’s eyes.

She rubbed it away and finally saw the man clearly.

It was Xiao Hengzi!

Overjoyed, she cried out, “Xiao Hengzi!”

“I told you—not to mention that lowly name again!”

It was Prince Su.

He drew out his sword and slashed toward her head.

“Ah—!”

Liuzheng jerked upright, seeing only moonlight scattered across the floor.

She instinctively touched her legs.

Smooth. Uninjured.

Only then did she slowly awaken from the nightmare.

Nanny Jiang and Baoqin rushed in at that moment.

“Miss, what happened?”

Nanny Jiang had heard her cry and hurried in, Baoqin close behind, her face full of concern.

Liuzheng shook her head. “Nothing. Just a nightmare.”

Both women let out a sigh of relief.

“What time is it?” Liuzheng asked.

“It has just reached the Hour of Xu. I was about to wake you,” Nanny Jiang replied.

As she helped Liuzheng put on her shoes and socks, she asked, “Are you hungry, Miss? Shall we have the meal served?”

“Have it brought.”

Liuzheng was not truly hungry, but she needed strength for what she would do next.

“Baoqin, go and have the meal prepared.”

“Yes.”

Baoqin left quickly.

Only then did Nanny Jiang ask, “What nightmare did you have? Your cry gave me quite a fright.”

“What did I say?”

“You said, ‘Help…’”

Liuzheng quietly exhaled in relief.

Fortunately, she hadn’t said anything more in her sleep.

The secret of her rebirth was something she would carry to the grave.

“I dreamed a vicious dog bit me,” she explained. Nanny Jiang did not suspect anything, assuming it was lingering fear from being startled by the black dog in the small Buddhist hall last time.

Soon the dishes were set out, and Nanny Jiang brought up another matter.

“Nanny Shu from the Old Madam’s side came by. The Old Madam plans to go to Changlong Temple tomorrow to burn incense and listen to scriptures. She asked whether you would go.”

“Will we return the same day, or stay overnight?”

Nanny Jiang said, “Nanny Shu didn’t say, but we’ll likely stay one night. She said the Old Madam wants to listen to the scriptures.”

Liuzheng nodded.

Changlong Temple was outside the city walls. Even if they left early, by the time the scripture session ended, the city gates would be locked.

“Tell Grandmother that I will go, but I will leave a little later. Let them go first—no need to wait for me.”

“Yes.”

Nanny Jiang went to deliver the message and returned with two pastries.

“The Old Madam sent these. She said you liked them last time, so she had me bring some.”

Liuzheng nodded and picked up a peach blossom pastry.

Sweet but not cloying—just the way she liked it.

The Old Madam had always been attentive and kind to her.

It seemed she had not grown suspicious over the matter of Ruan Mingzheng.

Yet the more this was so, the more guilt Liuzheng felt.

She wondered whether she should confess everything she had done to the Old Madam.

But the thought lasted only a moment before she dismissed it.

She could not tell her.

Better to wait until her great vengeance was fulfilled.

She feared that if the Old Madam tried to stop her, she might truly soften.

She had not been granted a second life only to die once more because of her own weakness.

If the First Madam had not sent word claiming she was ill, she would not have rushed back to the capital ahead of the army—and thus fallen into Ruan Changzheng’s trap.

The guilt and shame could wait until everything was over.

Liuzheng ate only half of the pastry before she could eat no more.

She had eaten too much at dinner, and her mood was heavy, so she took a slow walk in the courtyard.

At that moment, Pan Zhan arrived.

Liuzheng was startled.

“Did Grandmother—”

“No.” Pan Zhan bowed. “This subordinate has something to report.”

“Speak.”

“I have been secretly following the Old Madam. Today she went to the Young Master’s room and mentioned to the First Madam about going to the temple to burn incense and listen to scriptures.”

“Mm, I know of this.”

“But there is another matter you may not know.”

“Go on.”

Pan Zhan lowered his voice and told Liuzheng something.

Her brows slowly furrowed.

“Very well. I understand. This information is important.”

“Shall this subordinate handle it?”

Liuzheng thought for a moment. “Go. After you return, continue guarding the Old Madam.”

“Yes!”

After Pan Zhan left, Liuzheng strolled a little longer before saying she would retire.

Soon the Hour of Xu passed, and the courtyard grew ever quieter.

After confirming that everyone had fallen asleep, Liuzheng changed into night attire. She carefully opened the door, tapped lightly with her toes, and flew up to the roof beam.

Her figure soon melted into the night.

Once outside the General’s Manor, Pan Hong was already waiting.

“Did you inform the Prince?”

“I did. His Highness has agreed.”

“Mm.”

Liuzheng responded and, together with Pan Hong, headed to the western side gate of the Prince’s residence across the street.

There, fifteen burly guards in night attire stood waiting.

After taking just two steps forward, Liuzheng saw a tall figure emerge from behind the guards.

It was Su Heng.

He too wore night clothes, yet seemed to radiate light—standing out from the crowd even dressed in black.

“Your Highness?” Liuzheng was surprised. After stepping forward to salute, she asked, “Why have you come?”

“I have come to see whether the situation is truly as you described.”

…So in the end, he still did not trust her.

But trust was not built overnight. She would earn all of Prince Su’s trust.

“In that case, I trouble Your Highness to accompany us.”

“Enough talk. Let’s move.”

The group moved swiftly, like swallows darting through the capital’s night.

Soon they arrived at Liuzheng’s destination—Yijin Lane.

Yijin Lane neighbored the capital’s busiest long street.

Unlike Wuyi Lane, where Liuzheng and Su Heng lived—home to high officials and nobles—this place was populated mostly by merchants.

But these merchants were wealthy, and their storefronts were no less imposing than the mansions of Wuyi Lane.

“Your Highness, you see? I was not mistaken.”

Liuzheng pointed to the corner of a household’s wall.

There, a circular mark had been drawn in stone.

Su Heng glanced at it. “Then what are you waiting for? Begin.”

There was not a hint of praise.

Liuzheng felt she had invited her own embarrassment. She stopped minding him and led the men to work.

Nearly an hour passed before everything was completed.

“One last thing remains,” Liuzheng said.

Su Heng nodded and called out a guard’s name.

“You stay behind. After we leave, proceed.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Su Heng’s gaze fell once more upon Liuzheng’s face.

“I await your good news.”

“This subordinate will not disappoint Your Highness.”

He looked at her deeply, then turned and led the other guards away.

After giving a final instruction to the guard who remained, Liuzheng departed swiftly with Pan Hong, vanishing into the night once more.