Chapter 24 – The Inconceivable World (Part 1)
Don’t let the small size of Hejian County fool you; it’s a place where great individuals arise, gathering many prominent families from Dongqing.
The Liu family, where Liu Lanting resides, has been passed down since the Sixteen Kingdoms, and while not overly illustrious, they have endured for over three hundred years.
However, in recent years, due to the dwindling number of clan members, the Liu clan has become increasingly low-key. Other than Liu Lanting’s biological father, who serves as an official with real power, most of the clan members hold rather leisurely positions, with some even retreating into seclusion like idle clouds and wild cranes. A few have gained some reputation as luminaries.
Outsiders might think the Liu clan is slowly on the decline, but Jiang Pengji feels the family is quite clever. They can afford to relax on many matters, but the education of the younger generation cannot be neglected. Every child entering the clan school is strictly monitored by their parents.
Although Liu Lanting’s father is also from the direct line, he is the legitimate second son and does not succeed the family title.
Putting aside the random array of relatives, the Liu family is relatively uncomplicated.
The father spends most of his time serving out of town, while the stepmother voluntarily stays in Hejian to look after Liu Lanting. After all, most of the esteemed scholars in Dongqing hail from Hejian, Langya, and Huaning. Liu Father is stationed in a truly challenging area, reportedly faced with considerable risks. Moreover, in that desolate place, there aren’t many knowledgeable tutors to be found.
Lady Die, for reasons unknown, did not accompany Liu Father to his post but chose to remain in Hejian, occasionally giving Liu Lanting a hard time or uttering ambiguous remarks, yet she has never taken any outrageous actions.
After Liu Father took up his duties, the family moved out from clan territory and purchased a three-entry courtyard nearby.
The courtyard is not large, but it’s far better than living in the crowded clan estate, and they have more control over their domestic affairs.
Liu Lanting’s home is on Squirrel Street. Jiang Pengji slightly lifts the carriage curtain and can see that the entrance of the Liu Residence is quite desolate from afar.
“Liu brat isn’t in; I’d better not disturb them…” The Governor chuckles like the Buddha of Maitreya, while outside, a clever young servant jumps down from the carriage to knock on the door of the Liu Residence, announcing the safe return of the Second Young Master, “If my talented nephew faces any academic challenges, feel free to come to me. Although I’m not as learned as your father, I would still like to lend a hand.”
Jiang Pengji nods, thankful to the Governor.
The Governor oversees a county, which should theoretically wield considerable power, but that really depends on which place he governs.
In reality, based on its land area and population, Hejian County is smaller than a typical county, yet it holds different significance, thus designated as a “county.” Here, the title of Governor is just a small post.
In this tiny corner of Hejian County, the position of Governor is akin to retirement, and Jiang Pengji has greatly assisted him, leading to this familiarity.
Just as the thought passes, Jiang Pengji vaguely hears the ecstatic shouts of the Liu family servants, “The Second Young Master is back…”
Jiang Pengji initially thought that returning would mean a house filled with mourning banners or at the very least, her own coffin, but instead, it was such a cold and desolate scene… Quite abnormal, indeed! “What happened at home during my absence?”
The servant appears ecstatic at her return, almost as if he has seen his pillar of support and savior.
Jiang Pengji’s gaze sweeps over him, filling her mind with various pieces of information.
This servant had spent the night in a brothel and still smelled of alcohol, which indicates he likely stayed in Liu Lane last night instead of searching for Liu Lanting; the lipstick on his fingers suggests he wasn’t with the same woman he spent the night with… Tsk, this guy looks like he has no integrity.
The servant remains blissfully unaware that Jiang Pengji not only knows where he slept last night but is also aware he recently visited a gambling house and won a little money. Currently, she is contemplating whether to reassign this idle, treacherous servant or just dismiss him entirely.
“Second Young Master, you’re finally back! The First Lady and Lady Die both fainted when they heard you had been captured by bandits. The Young Doctor is still attending to the First Lady; she nearly didn’t make it last night… After Lady Die awoke, she became ill again and sent the household servants into the mountains to look for you. Without a solid leader at home, now that the master is away, if anything happens to you…”
The servant nervously wrings his hands, appearing eager and excited, yet his gaze instinctively avoids meeting Jiang Pengji’s eyes, a subconscious sign of humility.
Pulling back her gaze, Jiang Pengji casts aside unnecessary thoughts, although the information she has analyzed is already quite glaring.
She interrupts the servant’s chatter and directly asks, “The servants who went into the mountains looking for me, have they all returned?”
The servant replies, “Indeed, except for the maids left to care for the two ladies, all others have been sent out.”
Jiang Pengji raises an eyebrow and questions, “Including you?”
Unaware of Jiang Pengji’s ploy, the servant bangs his chest, pledging his loyalty, “Oh, Second Young Master, where would I be if not loyal to you? When we heard you’d been captured, who in the household wasn’t worried? You can rest assured…”
“How was the brothel experience last night?” Jiang Pengji suddenly asks. “I remember you had to cover your face while gambling.”
The servant stumbles in his steps, nearly falling over, his face filled with shock.
“Go get the Steward and face the consequences! If I catch you once more, I’ll sell you to the slave traders!”
Jiang Pengji scoffs, finding this poor act utterly detestable. Does he really think she’s a three-year-old who can be easily deceived? The servant, terrified, dares not speak a word, still dazed, just as the Old Steward of the Liu Residence hastily approaches.
“Second Young Master.”
Liu Father hasn’t returned for years, yet the Liu Residence still functions well, thanks in no small part to the Steward’s efforts.
Jiang Pengji glances at the Old Steward and finds herself somewhat satisfied, “I’m back. How is my mother doing?”
Upon seeing the living Jiang Pengji, the Old Steward almost sheds tears. He’s typically very proper, but in this moment of sheer joy, he runs over in a manner that would have been uncharacteristic of him, “The First Lady’s condition has worsened; I’m afraid…”
Jiang Pengji furrows her brow and says, “Let’s talk while walking; has mother really become that serious?”
According to Liu Lanting’s memories, even though the stepmother has been bedridden and taking medicine for years, just two days ago, she appeared to be in decent spirits. Even on her birthday over half a month ago, during the Flower Festival, she personally made her a bowl of longevity noodles.
The Old Steward notices the unfamiliar clothes Jiang Pengji is wearing, his eyes wavering, yet he keeps this uncertainty buried within him.
“Yes… Yesterday a foolish slave misunderstood the situation and reported that the Second Young Master had perished at the hands of bandits. Upon hearing this, the First Lady fainted immediately, nearly losing her breath. Lady Die was also severely shaken and immediately sent the household servants out to search… I don’t know which deity we’ve offended, but soon after, we heard that the Third Young Master fell and injured his head while playing with a maid in the backyard…”
Just like that, three heads of the household fell gravely ill, all running around looking for a doctor.
At this moment, Jiang Pengji abruptly stops, suddenly realizing she might have overlooked a detail?
