Hidden Shadow – CH 090

Chapter Ninety: New Year

“What did you feel just now?” An Jiu asked again.

“Everything went black, like I was about to faint.” Mo Sigui stared at An Jiu with suspicion, but considering that her meridians were completely destroyed, it was unlikely she could fire the Startling the String again, and besides, the Startling the String’s power was far greater than that. So he put his momentary discomfort behind him and held out his hand to her. “The antidote is ready; give me the fan.”

An Jiu was about to return it to him, but seeing his arrogant attitude, she felt slightly annoyed. “Save him first.”

Mo Sigui snorted twice, no longer asking for the fan, and turned to clamor for Nanny Ling to get him some food. After he filled his stomach, he carried his medicine box and sauntered down the mountain alone.

Nanny Ling looked at him, clearly still a big child, and could not help but worry a little, but then she thought that he had been adventuring alone for many years, and her worries were unnecessary.

After delivering food to Lou Xiaowu, Nanny Ling went to An Jiu’s place.

“Young Lady Mei, my mistress said that if you feel bored, she can lead you to her room,” Nanny Ling explained, keeping her head down and avoiding An Jiu’s gaze. “My mistress has always enjoyed tinkering with mechanisms, and knowing you are skilled in archery, she would like you to come and choose a few that suit your taste.”

The Mental Powered Starling the String was merely one of the various inventions Elder Zhi had experimented with while searching for Starling the String; after all, it was not a real Starling the String, and its destructive power was quite limited. The Blue Light Crossbow, comparable to guns and cannons, gave An Jiu a new understanding of the weapons of this world, rekindling her passion for them.

“Alright.” An Jiu did not stand on ceremony; she did what she thought.

During the last trial, An Jiu had witnessed Lou Xiaowu’s crossbow and light crossbow, knowing she had a talent for mechanics, but she was still somewhat surprised after arriving at her room.

Lou Xiaowu’s room was enormous, with the inner room occupying only one-tenth of the area. The vast outer room contained only a long table and a few stools. There were also many shelves against the walls, and various implements were displayed on the floor, tables, and walls, including many crossbows.

An Jiu’s gaze was drawn to a crossbow on the table, which looked very similar to the Blue Light Crossbow used by the enemies during the trial.

She went over to examine it closely. Seeing her interest, Nanny Ling explained, “This is something the lady made recently; she said she messed it up.” An Jiu loaded an arrow, walked to the doorway, aimed at a tree in the courtyard, and pulled the trigger. With a sharp screech, the bolt flew out rapidly, flashing blue light, and landed steadily on the tree trunk, sending a cloud of wood chips flying.

It was somewhat similar, but unfortunately, its lethality was much lower than that of the Blue Light Crossbow. However, Lou Xiaowu was able to make such a thing in a short time after only one glance, demonstrating her extraordinary talent in mechanics.

Nanny Ling sensed An Jiu’s appreciation and, thinking that her mistress seemed to enjoy interacting with the aloof Fourteenth Young Lady, wanted to build a closer relationship. “My Young Lady had a premature birth. Her health is not good, and she cannot practice martial arts for more than two hours a day, so she enjoys tinkering with these things.” An Jiu hummed in agreement and returned inside. She sat at the table and began fiddling with the crossbow in her hands.

The principle of a crossbow was similar to that of a gun; she could quickly disassemble and assemble a sniper rifle with her eyes closed, so she naturally knew its structure inside and out.

Nanny Ling noticed that An Jiu’s focused manner as she worked on the crossbow was somewhat similar to Lou Xiaowu’s, and the distance between them unconsciously lessened. She continued to tell An Jiu about Lou Xiaowu.

Having something to do to pass the time, An Jiu enjoyed being alone, engrossed in her work, completely ignoring Nanny Ling.

Nanny Ling, having talked for a while, also found it boring and left her to work alone.

The snow covered the rocky mountain, and due to the presence of Mystic Ice, it was colder here than elsewhere.

With Mo Sigui away, Lou Mingyue and An Jiu, both quiet individuals, left the entire Lou mansion eerily silent. Were it not for Nanny Ling’s daily preparations of food, it would not have resembled a habitable place.

Thanks to Mo Sigui’s antidote, the plague near Bianjing was alleviated. The imperial court dispatched troops to burn the infected corpses, finally averting a major crisis before the New Year.

Ten days later, two days before New Year’s Eve, Mu Qianshan was ordered by Mei Mansion to fetch Mei Jiu and Mo Sigui back to Mei Mansion.

Elder Zhi’s detention and investigation by the court severely damaged the relationships within the Konghe Army families. The way this matter was handled clearly demonstrated the Emperor’s distrust of the Konghe Army families, further fracturing the already fragile bond between the Emperor and his subjects.

Regarding the Lou family’s plight, although the Konghe Army ultimately came to their aid, their hesitant actions were deeply disheartening.

In this vast web of intrigue, the enemy emerged victorious.

The Mei family was now forced to make a crucial decision.

In the plum blossom grove.

Beside the vast, misty lake, several buildings were hidden behind the Mei Garden. They sat at the bottom of a gourd-shaped ravine, which included a tower-shaped library with a plaque inscribed with “Loyalty and Righteousness.”

Mei Zhengyan, the head of the Mei family, stood with his hands behind his back, frowning as he stared at the words on the plaque.

A figure in white silently landed not far away, standing quietly beside him for a long time.

“Zhengjing, the Mei family, what should we do?” Mei Zhengyan sighed.

The white-clad figure moved slightly, and Mei Zhengjing walked through the snow to his side. “Third Brother, you know I do not want to get involved in these troublesome matters.”

“You should rein in your temper!” Mei Zhengyan looked at him with disappointment, his tone stern. “Even though the clan has designated you as one of the future successors, I have never forced you. Now that Tingjun is gone, should you not take the initiative to shoulder the responsibility?!”

If Mei Zhengjing had not been unwilling to take over the family and had not been so dissolute, the clan would not have decided to send Mei Tingjun out for trials this time! Mei Zhengyan harbored resentment. While being the head of the Mei clan did not require him to risk his life, preserving the clan amidst a precarious relationship with the court was far more difficult than facing death. It should have been Mei Zhengjing’s responsibility, yet he was forced to force his son to do it.

Mei Zhengyan was dejected. “It’s better he’s gone this time. At least he does not have to shoulder the burden of the entire family. He’s not cut out to lead the family. It is you, on the other hand!”

Thinking of Mei Zhengjing, his anger flared again. “Clearly full of cunning, yet unwilling to sacrifice for the family! You just stood by and watched the Mei family fall?”

“Third Brother,” Mei Zhengjing finally spoke up, not beating around the bush, “When I was young, I dreamed of joining the shadowy forces of the Konghe Army, and I even thought about leading the Mei family to serve the court. Just a few years ago, I still thought that way.”

As one of the candidates for family head, he was bound to know a lot. However, the more he learned, the more he realized the gap between reality and imagination was too great: the precarious relationship between the Konghe Army family and the court; the Konghe Army, which should have been a sharp blade protecting the Song Dynasty, had now become a butcher’s knife in the Emperor’s hands to eliminate dissidents; the court’s weakness in foreign relations…

These bloody facts shattered Mei Zhengjing’s long-held dreams.

“The Mei family is now in dire straits. If the family were to break away from the Konghe Army, I, as a member, would naturally do my utmost, but…” Mei Zhengjing stared at the plaque of “Loyalty and Righteousness,” his tone resolute. “It is absolutely impossible for me to serve such an Emperor and court!”

Mei Zhengyan had considered this as well, but “the Mei family’s breakaway from the Konghe Army would inevitably require the sacrifice of everyone who has become a shadow within the army.”

“Third Brother is being too sentimental!” Mei Zhengjing said. “A gentleman discards flaws to promote talent; a brave man cuts off his own arm to preserve his integrity. If a viper is coiled around your hand, why not act decisively?”

Mei Zhengyan turned his head and saw him standing tall in white, almost blending into the snow, his once captivating peach blossom eyes now filled with a chilling coldness.

“I misjudged you,” Mei Zhengyan said slowly, unable to express his feelings. “You were so concerned about my Elder Brother; I always thought you were like Elder Qi, loyal and righteous. I never imagined you were so much like Elder Zhi at heart. Wise men are often cold-hearted.”

Mei Zhengjing raised an eyebrow. “I do not care what Third Brother says. But I truly feel sorry for Elder Zhi. If he were heartless, would he ruin his entire future for the Mei family? With his talent, he could be a prime minister. If he were heartless, would he sacrifice decades of his life for the Mei family?”

The barrage of questions left Mei Zhengyan speechless. He had completely forgotten all of that. He only saw Elder Zhi’s usual decisive and ruthless actions.

“Great wisdom comes from great compassion. If one is constantly preoccupied with trivial matters, how can one achieve great things?” Mei Zhengjing stopped dwelling on the issue and tossed a brocade pouch to Mei Zhengyan. “Take some time to deal with the traitors!”

Mei Zhengyan opened the pouch and took out three tattered letters. These letters had been burned beyond recognition, but after Mei Zhengjing pieced them together, their contents were roughly discernible. They were all letters from the Commander of the Imperial Guard of the Konghe Army to someone, containing orders to uncover secrets of the Mei family.

Mei Zhengyan asked in a deep voice, “Where did you get these things?”

“The First Old Madam,” Mei Zhengjing replied. “You are always busy, so you naturally do not pay attention to the inner courtyard like I do. I’ve noticed her for a while, but I have not had any concrete evidence. Recently, the situation has been turbulent; Elder Zhi has been detained, and the top officials definitely want to know the Mei family’s true reaction. If they suspect any treason, they can deal with them quickly! So, figuring out they must be in frequent contact lately, I staked out her place, and sure enough, I found this.”

“You mean the First Old Madam is the Emperor’s mole within the Mei family?” Mei Zhengyan was shocked.

“The evidence is conclusive. If the person behind her is not the current Emperor or the late Emperor, then it is the mastermind behind this attack on the Lou family,” Mei Zhengjing sneered. “In short, she’s a traitor. So, Third Brother, see how pragmatic the First Madam is.”

The First Old Madam’s family was dwindling. Of the few remaining members, first Mei Yanran absconded with her daughter, and then the First Madam colluded with the enemy.

“This matter is of utmost importance. Let’s return to the council hall first. Come with me.” Mei Zhengyan put the things away and tucked them into his robes.

“Third Brother!” Mei Zhengjing was about to stop him, but Mei Zhengyan had already vanished.

Mei Zhengyan was anxious. If the First Old Madam was the Emperor’s spy, it would be alright. Although troublesome, at least the Emperor would not easily target the Mei family, given the current situation. But if the First Old Madam was a traitor, the Mei family would eventually suffer the same fate as the Lou family.

At least the Lou family could still move the plaque of “Loyalty and Righteousness” to the ancestral hall, while the Mei family might even have their ancestors who died for the country implicated!

The Mei family was a Shadow family, responding to summons extremely quickly. Mei Zhengyan sent a signal as he hurried towards the council hall. By the time Mei Zhengjing arrived, several elders had already answered the summons and were in the council hall.

Such an urgent summons must be no small matter, and with no other excuse readily available, Mei Zhengjing did not stop him, letting Mei Zhengyan explain.

Unfortunately, the elders were either too impulsive, offering overly extreme suggestions, or too engrossed in martial arts, lacking any good ideas for such cunning schemes.

This outcome was entirely within Mei Zhengjing’s expectations. Fortunately, the elders were all composed enough, and Mei Zhengyan’s insistence on secrecy meant there was no worry about leaks.

The matter was temporarily shelved, and the entire Mei Mansion began preparing for the New Year.

The next evening, An Jiu and Mo Sigui returned to the mansion.

The long-unseen Yuwei Residence was brightly lit. An Jiu returned control of her body to Mei Jiu.

“My Young Lady, I’ve made you new clothes,” Yao-Ye said, her face beaming with joy.

When Mei Jiu left Mei Mansion, she felt she would be staying at the Lou family’s house for a long time, but she did not expect to return so soon. She wondered, “Yao-Ye, do you know why they brought me back?”

“We cannot spend the New Year at someone else’s house,” Yao-Ye said, seemingly unconcerned. “I heard it was Sixth Master who had the head of the family bring the young lady back.”

“Sixth Uncle?” Mei Jiu had a good impression of her unconventional uncle, as he had once sided with An Jiu.

“Sister!” a clear voice called from outside the door.

“It’s Fifteenth Young Lady,” Yao-Ye said, going to open the door.

Mei Jiu had not seen Mei Ruyan for a long time and missed her dearly. She happily got up to greet her. “Sister.”

Mei Ruyan wore a light pink jacket and a pale white skirt. Her black hair was parted to the side, with a single bun hanging down beside her right ear, making her look both charming and lively.

Her features had matured further; her long, narrow phoenix eyes were even more captivating than before.

“Sister,” Mei Ruyan said, taking Mei Jiu’s hand, her bright smile infectious. An Jiu felt uncomfortable with her smooth, delicate hands, but sensing Mei Jiu’s genuine joy, and remembering that she had destroyed Mei Jiu’s meridians, she knew it was difficult for her to be so happy, so she endured it for the time being.

“Since coming to Mei Mansion, I have not had a proper conversation with you,” Mei Ruyan said, tears welling in her eyes. “It’s only been a few months, but it feels like ten years. I’ve missed you terribly these past few days since you left, Sister.”

Mei Jiu was moved; her voice choked with emotion. “Ah Shun.”

Hearing this name, Mei Ruyan’s face showed a momentary awkwardness, but she quickly regained her composure, wiped away her tears, and smiled. “Sister, let’s go see the lanterns halfway up the mountain! I saw some when I got out of school this evening; they were so beautiful!”

Her alternating between tears and laughter revealed her true nature.

Mei Jiu turned her head, her gaze questioning Yao-Ye.

Yao-Ye smiled. “My Young Lady, please dress warmly. I will accompany you.”

“Alright!” Mei Jiu beamed, following Yao-Ye into the inner room to change her clothes.

Since it was evening, there was no need for elaborate attire; Mei Jiu wore only a light yellow skirt and a matching light yellow jacket, her black hair loosely braided.

“Sister is so beautiful!” Mei Ruyan exclaimed.

The two walked hand in hand up the mountain near the clan school.

Mei Jiu suddenly remembered Mei Ruyan’s infatuation with Master Mo and asked softly, “Sister, is Master Mo treating you well?”