TGCFNM -Chapter 174 I Am a Member of the Nangong Family

Siyu thought things over carefully before confirming once again, “Your Excellency has no ambitions in the court, correct?”

Chu Ling replied solemnly, “Correct.”

Siyu seemed to let out a sigh of relief and said plainly, “The one who killed her is the local tyrant here. The leader is called Zhang Bozi. Someone gave him ten taels of silver to kill the person living there. It was done at night. The people around here should all know about it.”

Wan Sanjin had never expected such an answer. His face filled with shock as he asked, “Then why wasn’t it reported to the authorities?”

Siyu smiled. “Young master, if someone from this place dies and it’s reported, would the yamen even care? Besides, no one here was close to her. Who would report it and drag themselves into trouble?”

Wan Sanjin asked blankly, “Then what about you? If you told us this, will you be in danger?”

Seeing their genuine concern, Siyu reassured them, “It’s fine. When I was young, I once saved Boss Bao. So after I grew old, I sought his protection and settled here. I won’t be in danger. And it’s fortunate you came to me—no one else would have had the courage.”

She even let out a small, proud laugh, though her gaze remained gentle.

Only then did Chu Ling finally understand what had felt wrong.

The one who tricked Yu Luo into drinking the tonic and made her faint was Sun Yuanze. The one who eliminated her afterward to prevent future trouble was Zhang Bozi—and he had taken Sun Yuanze’s money.

As for why no one knew Yu Luo had been killed—it wasn’t that they didn’t know. Everyone knew. But no one dared to resist. Because Zhang Bozi was the local overlord here.

“Which family’s dog is Zhang Bozi?” Chu Ling asked directly.

Siyu pursed her lips and lowered her voice. “Zhang Bozi works for the Xuanyuan family. Boss Bao is a rising figure and works for the Nangong family.”

Ghost Scholar reminded Chu Ling, “This Little Capital City is probably filled with collateral branches of the great aristocratic families. That’s why they act so fearlessly.”

“Are the aristocratic families really that terrifying?” Chu Ling muttered.

Wan Sanjin nodded firmly. “Your Excellency, the Four Great Families were originally founding meritorious officials of the dynasty. The rewards they received—even by today’s standards—are staggering. With such immense wealth, and having assisted the Emperor generation after generation, they are not to be underestimated. What’s more, half the officials in court come from these families. The other half, even if not related by marriage, are affiliated with them.”

Chu Ling understood.

This was not the Emperor’s realm. It was the realm of the great families.

Ghost Scholar’s eyes darkened with concern. “The aristocratic families were founding contributors, so they cannot simply be eliminated. But their power should be weakened. Otherwise, if they grow too fat, it will eventually become a problem.”

Chu Ling looked at Wan Sanjin—speaking both to him and to Ghost Scholar. “There are four great families. There must be internal strife among them.”

Wan Sanjin nodded. That was certain.

Chu Ling smiled, and she smiled very happily. “Then that’s easy. Just ally with one to strike another, isn’t it?”

Wan Sanjin let out an “Ah?” before he could react—Chu Ling had already pulled him to his feet.

“Miss Siyu, many thanks,” Chu Ling said, handing over several medical prescriptions. “Whenever I meet someone fated, I give them prescriptions. Miss Siyu is a woman—it will be easier for you to learn. Consider it a way to carve out a path for yourself. Perhaps in the future, you can carve out a path for even more women.”

Siyu took them instinctively, only realizing afterward that they were medical prescriptions. “Your Excellency, doctors treat their prescriptions as secret arts passed down privately. How can you just give them to me?”

“They’re all for treating women’s illnesses. What would male physicians want with them?” Chu Ling replied. Then she cupped her hands in farewell. “Miss Siyu, I’ll be taking my leave.”

Siyu quickly rose to see them off.

Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin told her not to trouble herself and left through the back street, heading straight for the Prefectural Yamen.

Siyu stood at the doorway, watching their departing figures until they disappeared from sight—so absorbed that she didn’t even notice the madam approaching.

“What are you looking at? Can’t bear to part with this handsome young master?” the madam teased.

Siyu lightly placed her hand over her chest, where she had hidden the prescription. “I really can’t bear it… such fine young masters, and good-looking to boot.”

Wan Sanjin followed Chu Ling onto the bustling main street.

The wide avenue was filled with people, each face bright with smiles, like an entirely different world compared to where they had just been.

The “clop clop clop” of hooves grew louder, and the townsfolk instinctively parted to make way. Moments later, a few richly dressed young men rode past at full speed.

The last rider, anxious, lashed his horse with the whip. The horse cried out in pain, veered wildly, and charged straight toward Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin.

“Ahhh! Move! Move!”

Chu Ling stepped forward without hesitation and grabbed the reins, forcing the horse to calm down.

The rider bounced violently on the horse, on the verge of being thrown off.

Wan Sanjin leapt forward, caught him mid-air, and just as they hit the ground, his grip suddenly loosened. The young man landed with a thud, kicking up dust.

“Master! I’ve learned lightness skill!” Wan Sanjin shouted excitedly.

Chu Ling calmed the horse, held the reins, and guided it to the young man. Seeing him sprawled on the ground like a turtle, Chu Ling nudged him with her foot. “Hey, still alive?”

The man coughed violently once or twice, spitting up mud, then struggled to lift his head to look at Chu Ling.

“Yes, I saved you. Remember to repay the favor, or I’ll take revenge. Understand?” Chu Ling asked from above.

The man pushed himself up, slowly stood, brushed the mud from his mouth, and shook off the dust from his clothes. He looked at Chu Ling in disbelief. “You… just threatened me?”

“I even dared to threaten Nangong Baihu, so why would I be afraid of you?” Chu Ling said, tossing the reins back to him. “You’re just unskilled at riding. Don’t endanger this prized horse, or beware—the horse ghost might kick you to death.”

The man pointed at himself. “I am from the Nangong family.”

“Oh, you are? That made things surprisingly easy,” Chu Ling said with a smile, stepping closer.

Instinctively, the man took a step back. “Hasn’t the young lady already returned?”

“Yes. She sent Nangong Jue’s body back, but we need someone to stay and guard Dongle City, so the Nangong family still needs people,” Chu Ling explained matter-of-factly.

The man’s eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily. “Those other noble families thought this was their chance… little did they know, they were just dreaming!”

Chu Ling waved her hand to interrupt him. “Enough. I need to ask you where the government office is—I’m going to report a case. After that, I’ll pay a visit to the Nangong family to help you deal with a little problem, consider it a form of cooperation.”

The man stared blankly. “But hasn’t the magistrate been ill for over half a month?”

“So he isn’t holding court?” Chu Ling frowned.

The man nodded. “He probably can’t conduct trials.”

Chu Ling pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. So many people died, and he’s sick at home… “Lead the way. I want to see for myself whether the magistrate is alive or dead.”

The man pointed at himself. “Me?”

Chu Ling pulled out the token from Prince Rui. “Who else? Do you dare resist?”