TGCFNM -Chapter 175 Going to See the Prefect

Nangong Yuankang never would have imagined that chasing a few people who had bullied him would lead to an encounter with the Death Spirit.

Although the Death Spirit and her subordinates had saved his life, their level of intimidation far exceeded that of the few ruffians. She didn’t even regard a young lady of a noble family with any respect—and she was planning to storm the prefectural office!

Nangong Yuankang hesitated several times before finally speaking in a low voice: “Even noble families should give some face to the prefectural office.”

Chu Ling nodded. “And the prefectural office should also give some face to noble families.”

Gritting his teeth, Nangong Yuankang said decisively, “Esteemed Sir, I’m just a secondary son from a branch of the Nangong family…”

Chu Ling impatiently stopped walking, looking at him as she enunciated each word: “I only asked you to guide us, not to go commit murder or arson.”

Wan Sanjin, curious, asked, “What are you afraid of?”

“I… I…” Nangong Yuankang didn’t know how to answer, frowning in inner conflict. “At most… I can see you to the entrance of the street.”

Chu Ling sighed. “Alright, fine, just lead the way quickly.”

A look of relief and joy crossed Nangong Yuankang’s face, as if he had been specially pardoned, and he hurried to run ahead and guide them.

Chu Ling muttered under her breath, “If someone didn’t know better, they’d think the prefect had tigers at home, to scare him into this state.”

Wan Sanjin also found it strange. Nobles rarely feared the prefectural office; at most, they were considered equals.

After walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Nangong Yuankang stopped.

Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin approached and saw him carefully hiding behind a stone pillar, whispering, “It’s just ahead. See that stone lion? It’s right there.”

Chu Ling gave him a strange look but walked forward with Wan Sanjin. Just as they were about to climb the steps and knock on the door, the crimson-red gates of the prefect’s residence opened by themselves.

A woman in a white dress stepped out. Her eyes were red, as if she had just cried herself raw, and her face looked exhausted.

“Who are you?” the woman asked as she stepped forward.

Chu Ling thought for a moment and presented her seal. “I was entrusted by Miss Nangong to come to Dongle City ahead of time.”

The woman bowed. “Greetings, Sir.”

Chu Ling introduced herself: “My surname is Chu. I’ve only been here three or four days. A murder recently occurred on Bamboo Gate Street, where I rented a place. I originally intended to report it to the office, but I happened to meet Nangong Yuankang. He said the prefect was ill, so I came with my adviser to take a look… I apologize for the intrusion.”

The woman murmured, “I see…”

“I am Prefect Zhao’s daughter, Zhao Linlang,” she said, tears immediately streaming down her face. “My father… he has passed away.”

Chu Ling’s eyes widened in shock. “When?” she asked in disbelief.

“Just now… just now my father couldn’t hold on any longer. I… I came to report the death…” Zhao Linlang sobbed, choking on her words. “Sir Chu, there’s truly no way to host you at the moment… please, I beg you, go back.”

Chu Ling glanced at Wan Sanjin.

Wan Sanjin understood immediately. “We were rude today. Tomorrow, my master and I will definitely come to pay respects… Miss Zhao, please accept our condolences. Nobody expected that after being sick for only half a month, he would… sigh, the illness came on so swiftly.”

Chu Ling furrowed her brows. “I’ve studied medicine for so many years, and I’ve never seen a disease that could take a life in half a month.”

Bai Su, standing nearby, looked confused. “It really could be a sudden illness. Some patients might not survive even half a month… Also, when did you study medicine for so many years?”

Cui Xi tugged at Bai Su’s sleeve. “Miss is lying.”

Even the Ghost Scholar couldn’t help but chuckle.

Zhao Linlang, still doubtful, now seeing Chu Ling speak so confidently, bit her lip and made up her mind. She bowed to Chu Ling and said, “Could Sir Chu kindly come inside to see my father?”

Chu Ling sighed. “We’re colleagues after all; it’s only proper to take a look.”

Zhao Linlang’s face brightened with a smile. She casually wiped her tears with her sleeve and invited Chu Ling and Wan Sanjin inside. The main gate of the Zhao residence was closed behind them.

Not far off, Nangong Yuankang looked shocked, then quickly swung back onto his horse and rode away.

—

The moment Chu Ling stepped in, she was stunned by the interior of the residence!

It was just a prefect’s home; how much could his salary be? And yet he lived in such luxury.

Before she could examine it further, Zhao Linlang personally led the way through the corridors, past two gardens. Chu Ling caught glimpses of a shimmering pond with swimming red carp, the enormous pavilion, and the numerous maids and servants walking briskly with their heads lowered.

None of the maids or servants dared to speak loudly; their behavior was extremely disciplined, clearly under strict management.

Chu Ling whispered, “The lady of the house is quite capable.”

Wan Sanjin nodded slightly and lowered his voice, “Indeed, everything is orderly. It rivals some of the major families.”

Chu Ling smirked faintly, her expression calm.

This Eastern Le City… the waters run deep.

Finally, Zhao Linlang stopped walking. “Master, my father has just been dressed in his shroud, I—”

“Father! You took me with you when you died, didn’t you?”

“Father, how am I supposed to live if you leave me behind?”

“Bah! A few worthless wretches, want to die, then die! And yet they come here acting like a performance?!”

“Madam, please don’t drive us away. My son carries the master’s bloodline!”

“Madam, please show some mercy.”

“…”

Zhao Linlang smiled awkwardly and quickly stepped inside first. The sound of ceramic cups shattering rang out, and the room instantly fell silent.

Soon, many maids came in to clean. Once everything was tidy, Zhao Linlang personally led Chu Ling inside.

“The servants are clumsy; sorry to have kept you waiting, Master,” Zhao Linlang said apologetically.

Chu Ling shook her head with a smile. “It’s nothing.” She then followed her in.

The floor had been cleaned meticulously, without a trace of debris.

Three women in mourning attire knelt by the bedside, sobbing, while a dignified woman in her forties sat upright nearby, showing no sign of grief. She slowly stood, gave Chu Ling a slight bow, then sat down again.

“That’s my mother,” Zhao Linlang whispered.

Chu Ling nodded and gestured to Zhao Linlang that she wanted to go see Prefect Zhao.

Zhao Linlang whispered, “I’ve told you, my mother is still grieving, so you don’t need to mind her. You can go ahead and see him directly.”

Chu Ling acknowledged this and stepped forward.

Zhao Linlang coldly looked at the three women. “Step aside!”

The three concubines immediately shrank back, crying, clearly afraid of her.

Chu Ling paid no attention to the family quarrel and focused solely on Prefect Zhao’s face: pale, haggard, hollow cheeks, lips white—clearly he had died from a serious illness.

“Prefect Zhao hasn’t been sick for just half a month, has he?” Chu Ling asked.

Zhao Linlang’s eyes brightened as she nodded. “His health had been poor for a long time, but fortunately Dr. Gu was here then. He gave him medicine, and his spirits improved somewhat. After Dr. Gu left, Father’s health worsened day by day…”