Tag: jun you ji fou

T/N: Again, this is one of those chapters where you might have to read the footnotes in order to understand the conversation.

After a short break, Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu set off to the home of Zheng Wan, who was killed first.
　　Zheng Wan, the previous Right Fufeng, has been dead for more than a month, and his body has long been laid to rest in the ground, but everyone in his home was still in mourning clothes, the mourning banner had not been kept away; scented candles and incense lingered in the courtyard. A woman in mourning garb came out to greet them leaning on her maid. She wore a white flower pin¹ slanted in her forelocks, her face was haggard, and her whole body was so pale white that the only colour were her eyes that had reddened from crying.
　　After offering a few words of comfort, they were led directly to the courtyard where the incident occurred. The governor’s office had come to examine the scene before, and had already held a funeral, so most of the objects here were not as they were at the time of the incident. Only the faint bloodstains on the stone slabs of the courtyard that could not be washed away were left, a silent memorial of everything that has happened.
　　After Su Shiyu stood in front of the book case and looked at it for a long time, he picked up a few documents and concentrated on something in contemplation. Chu Mingyun retracted his gaze, but felt that he couldn’t see anything odd in the courtyard, so he turned and walked towards Mrs. Zheng.
　　The look on Zheng Wan’s face as if he did not die a peaceful death² was still vivid in her eyes, and this other courtyard had become a wound to Mrs. Zheng’s heart. She was unwilling to set foot in it again, so she had been waiting for them outside the courtyard the whole time.
　　”Ms. Zheng,” Chu Mingyun asked, “Since it is said that your husband was killed late at night, then what did he stay here for instead of going back to bed to sleep?”
　　”There were still some official documents in the mansion, so Husband brought them back to the study to review.” Madam Zheng replied slowly.
　　”Zheng Wan does this often?”
　　”Not exactly often,” she thought for a while, and said, “If some important documents were just sent to him (before he left his office), Husband is used to taking them home to slowly read.”
　　”So if the murderer is not in your house. The attendant is someone who is familiar with You Fufeng.” A gentle voice sounded behind him, and Su Shiyu walked steadily.
　　Chu Mingyun looked at him and smiled slightly: “Was there something Master Su found?” 
“I didn’t find any useful clues originally,” Su Shiyu said, “but the question Master Chu just asked reminded me.
　　” …Grand Secretary, why do you say that?” Madam Zheng looked at Su Shiyu, the light in her eyes flashed.
　　Su Shiyu smiled faintly, “It’s just my guess, but it should more or less be correct. There are still guards’ bodies in this courtyard, which means that the killer’s skill is not good enough to go completely unnoticed, but no one in the other courtyards were aware anything happened here, even Madam only found out yourself the next morning that Master Zheng was killed, so it seems that the murderer entered this yard directly.”
　　Madam Zheng frowned and looked at him uncomprehendingly, “What Your Honor has said, what does this have to do with the identity of the murderer we were talking about?”
　　Chu Mingyun has already understood, “He means that the other party must know that Zheng Wan has the habit of approving official documents here, and also knows the layout of your mansion, so he could immediately find it here, it won’t be someone unacquainted with your husband.” He paused, turned his head and said to Su Shiyu: “And it has to be someone who knew that Zheng Wan had important documents that night.”
　　Su Shiyu nodded and wanted to speak, so he listened to Mrs. Zheng. The voice trembled and said: “How could it be…”
　　They looked at her in a little surprise.
　　”How…can that be…” Madam Zheng’s fingers twisted her sleeves tightly, unable to accept it, “My husband is kind, and we have never wronged any of the servants in this residence , and all of them have served us for many years. Nobody left after the incident, even the little girl from the accountant’s family came to comfort me…how could they be murderers!”
　　”Madam Zheng…”
　　”If it is someone familiar with us…” Tears have appeared in her eyes and her figure trembled slightly, the maid next to her hurried to hold her up, she hung her head in compassion. Madam Zheng took a deep breath and stared at them, extremely confused, and in a near-interrogating tone asked, “Since they are familiar with us, why would they commit an act so vicious?”
　　Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu had no words to answer.
　　Madam Zheng then turned her head away, covering her face and weeping silently.
　　
　　Soon after they returned to the residence, Su Xing came over to ask about the state of the investigation. Su Shiyu smiled and simply said that there was still no result. Seeing from Su Xing’s expression that he seemed to still have something to say, he asked, “Is there something else Uncle?”
　　Su Xing glanced behind him, and the official Registrar stepped forward in tacit understanding, saying: “Replying to both Your Honor’s, I caught a person sneaking among the people leaving the city today. I just managed to interrogate it out of him, he admitted he was the one who killed Master Zheng… “
　　Chu Mingyun couldn’t help sneering and said, “There hasn’t been a lead after looking for so long, yet now it only took a short while for you to catch them?”
　　”Perhaps he knew that Your Honors have come, and he couldn’t hold back his guilty conscience anymore.” The book said, “Anyway, do both Your Honored selves want to go take a look?”
　　Su Shiyu looked at him for a moment, and laughed softly, “Alright.”
　　
　　The prison was lit with oil lamps, and the jailers saluted them, moving to stand to the side. The middle-aged man in the cell was dozing off, with slightly bulging temples faintly visible under his disheveled hair. His thick palms laid on either side of his body, and it could be seen that his skill wasn’t shallow, who knows why they were able to catch him.
　　The man was startled by the sound and dazedly opened his eyes. He was shocked awake when he saw the people incoming, his face showing a terrified expression. Before anyone could respond, the man knelt down suddenly, making a loud noise as the iron chains were pulled, and he said to Chu Mingyun in extreme fear: “My lord…my lord spare me!” 

Chu Mingyun looked at him, baffled, “Are you talking to me?”
　　”This……this subordinate did not do things well……but……” The man raised his head and quickly glanced at Chu Mingyun, shaking like chaff, “I beg my lord to be magnanimous!”
The jailers suddenly sucked in a breath, unanimously turning to stare at Chu Mingyun.
　　Su Shiyu watched on thoughtfully, but did not speak.
　　Chu Mingyun tilted his head and looked at the man for a moment, then suddenly shook his head and laughed, “You want to drag me down with you yet you didn’t even get your facts straight, there isn’t anyone as ugly as you among my subordinates.”
The man’s words were immediately choked off.
　　Su Xing glanced at Chu Mingyun with a subtle expression, then turned his head and said to Su Shiyu, “Yu’er, you’re not going to ask anything?”
　　Su Shiyu smiled faintly, “Since he is pleading with Master Chu for mercy, then let Master Chu lead the interrogation.”
　　Hearing this the man quickly looked at Su Shiyu, continually pleading: “Grand Secretary, Your Honor! This peasant has committed a grave crime, and I know I’ll be put to death³……but, but that wife and child of mine are innocent after all, I plead Your Honor to save them.”
　　These words held rather deep meaning, Su Shiyu looked at him with serious eyes, only smiling wordlessly.
　　Chu Mingyun glanced at Su Shiyu, and then said to the man again: “Okay, stop yelling. I ask you, it’s been so long since Zheng Wan was killed, you didn’t escape from Fufeng County earlier, why did you show up today instead? “
The man looked straight at Chu Mingyun, distorted his face a little, and said: “I just acted according to orders, since my lord has said this to clear himself of suspicion, how could I explain it clearly.”
　　”Heh,” Chu Mingyun was cold. Said, “You claim to be my subordinate and that you were acting on my orders. Then now you are asserting I’m involved, what manner o’ reporting⁴ to your master is this?”
The man avoided his gaze and lowered his head, “Like my lord said, I I’m just a pawn that you can throw away at will. How can you count as your subordinate. When it’s like this, it’s just a try to see if my wife and child can survive.”
　　”What happened to your wife and child?” He said good-humoredly.
　　”This, I’m afraid my lord would knows more clearly than me…”
　　Chu Mingyun squinted his eyes slightly, and was about to step forward but was suddenly grabbed by someone’s arm. He turned his head to look, and Su Shiyu smiled slightly at him: “Looking at how emotionally unstable he was, we probably won’t be able to ask anything out of him. Interrogation doesn’t need to be rushed, and Master Chu is likely already worn-out today, why not go back to rest for now?”
　　Chu Mingyun frowned and examined Su Shiyu’s expression, then turned his head away and grunted as a perfunctory response.
　　This development was really exciting, after they left the prison cell, the jailers could finally get together and were talking all at once without any hesitation, having an very carefree discussion. Outside the cell, the expressions of the official Registrar and his party were also quite strange.
　　Su Xing couldn’t help pulling Su Shiyu again and whispered: “Yu’er, looking at the situation just now…”
　　Su Shiyu interrupted him rarely, and his tone was still gentle and calm. “Using one-sided words to frame influential officials for a false charge is not uncommon. Besides, there is no evidence that it must be the man who committed the crime. Uncle should not make a conclusion too early.”
　　Chu Mingyun walked alone in front of him and he heard clearly, and he understood even more that the man’s words could be confusing. People can’t make Su Shiyu suspicious of him, not to say how much Su Shiyu trusts him, but Su Shiyu has always believed in his own judgment and will not be easily shaken by outside interference.
　　Chu Mingyun glanced back at him and chuckled without any inflection.
　　
　　Yet the man in prison leaned against the corner again and fell asleep after they had left, and after an uncertain amount of time had passed, he suddenly heard footsteps in his dazed state. As soon as he raised his eyes he saw a white-robed young man come close before turning back, making a gesture to the jailers. The jailers hurriedly nodded and all retreated, leaving only the two of them in the prison.
　　Su Shiyu turned his head and looked at him, “I’ll be bothering you.”
　　”Grand Secretary…”
　　”There’s only the two of us here, so you don’t need to worry about being heard by someone else. If you sincerely want me to help you settle this matter, then you should come clean with the truth.”
The expression in the man’s eyes that were partly obscured by his messy hair flickered slightly, but his words remained unchanged, saying: “Each word of what this peasant said was the truth, I dare not deceive Your Honor!”
　　Su Shiyu nodded, “Looking at this appearance of yours, your skill should not be too bad, how could you be arrested and imprisoned easily ?”
The man felt relieved, so he blurted out in reply, “Your Honor is perceptive. As this peasant said earlier, everything I’ve done is because my wife and children in someone’s grasp, and dared not disobey.” He opened his mouth and explained the process of how the crime was committed, from the orders he received in the city these few days, to the situation where he was arrested leaving the city—- nary a loophole in his explanation.
　　Su Shiyu listened to him quietly, pondered for a moment, and suddenly said: “I’ve heard you mention your wife and children many times, you must be very concerned about them.”

The man glanced at him, not understanding his intention, and paused for a moment. Then he whispered: “Yes, as long as they’re safe, it doesn’t matter whether I live or die.”
　　”You remind me of a person.” Su Shiyu smiled softly, “You know the previous Minister of Works Tan Jing?” The
　　man shook his head.
　　”He is very similar to you, he only wants to protect his wife, not hesitating to pay any price to do so, and when I interrogated him he also told me lies.” (T/N: He uses present tense for most of this). Su Shiyu seemed as if he didn’t see the man’s expression change suddenly, and continued, “I guess someone else might have promised him something, and after thinking about it, (I realised) the only thing that could be used to control him must be his wife. But in the end Tan Jing was executed according to the law, and in his residence his innocent wife was also tragically poisoned right after. He was still unable to protect his wife in the end.”
　　A tremor ran through the man’s body, and he lowered his head to avoid Su Shiyu’s line of sight, “I don’t understand these things you’re saying, Grand Secretary, Your Honor, how am I like him? This peasant has already truthfully told you the facts of the case. When did I tell you lies? You’ve really overestimated me, how would I have that sort of courage…” 
“There’s one point I’m confused on.” Su Shiyu looked at him quietly, “Since (someone has) already detained your wife and children to threaten you, why would you think that after you die, the other party will still accommodate their safety⁵ on your behalf?” The man froze in cold sweat, and abruptly raised his head to look at him, “Grand Secretary, Your Honor…”
　　”Let’s hope your luck will be better than his.” Su Shiyu gave him a faint smile, then turned to walk out.
　　”Your honor! Your honor!” The man suddenly panicked, and rushed forward as if he wanted to seize him, pulling on the chains until they made a cacophony of jangling noises, his voice seeming to have changed. “Your Honor wait! I beg you, please don’t go. !”
　　Su Shiyu stopped and turned to look at him. The man fell to his knees, his entire face shrouded in dejection.
　　
　　Chu Mingyun was slightly irritated, and it became more obvious after he was insistently set up by that man in prison. After all, he always had a bad temper, playing mind games with Su Shiyu’s and harassing each other was fine, but he really had no patience with other people.
　　And who knew if Su Shiyu was aware that he wasn’t in a great mood, for the two days that followed, Su Shiyu unexpectedly neither went to the cell to interrogate nor did he go to Zheng Wan’s house again, but rather he pulled Chu Mingyun to Fufeng County to help him approve/review most of the official documents that had piled up due to Zheng Wan’s death, and so Chu Mingyun became even more irritated.
　　At night, when Su Shiyu knocked on the door of his room holding a few books, Chu Mingyun leaned on one hand against the door frame and completely fed-up, said: “Master Su, if you are not here to accompany me to sleep⁶, please go back.”
　　Su Shiyu flashed the book in front of his eyes. They were not official documents but books on military strategy, “No need to sleep, I’m afraid there’s going to be an incident tonight, you and I will wait in your room.”
　　Chu Mingyun raised his eyebrows slightly, retracted his hand and put him into the room, “What incident? “
　　”I don’t know the specifics of exactly what will happen.” Su Shiyu put the things on the table, “but I have already told my uncle to leave Fufeng County to investigate elsewhere, so if they don’t make a move tonight, they will have no other chance.”
　　”They?” Chu Mingyun sat down opposite him, “You know something?”
　　”It’s just a guess,” Su Shiyu smiled, “Organized crime always requires someone to dispatch. In these past two days, I’ve compared the time and place where the five officials met their demise in sequence, and I realised that if the mastermind is here, this timing will align perfectly.”
　　”So you plan to use the both of us as bait?”
　　Su Shiyu looked up at him, his eyes reflected as black as ink in the candlelight, and even cracked somewhat of a joke: “Don’t tell me Master Chu is afraid?” His gentle voice was slightly lilted at its end, and seemed to hide a careless sense of humour, which was really nice to listen to.
　　This manner of his made Chu Mingyun slightly stunned, which quickly changed to smile as his lips hooked upwards, and said, “Didn’t you come running to my room because you’re scared?”
　　Su Shiyu shook his head and chuckled, “I came here so that it would be more convenient to do things, Master Chu has taken it the wrong way.” 
“Why force yourself to explain,” Chu Mingyun said with a wide smile, “With such thin skin⁷, is it so difficult to frankly tell me that you want my protection?”
　　Su Shiyu looked at him wordlessly for a moment, and suddenly said: “Right, I wanted to ask you one thing earlier.”
　　”En?”
　　”Master Chu’s skin is so thick, don’t you feel hot?” Su Shiyu asked him solemnly.
　　”…” Chu Mingyun replied solemnly, “You touch it and see for yourself?”
　　Su Shiyu silently picked up a military book and handed it over, terminating the conversation.
　　Chu Mingyun glanced down at the title of the book, “Already read this, swap me another.”

(T/N: Honestly, Shiyu has so much patience, Chu-chu is so vulgar in his flirting any lesser man would have stabbed/slapped him by now. Translating instead of sleeping, give me energy by commenting)

1.白簪花 – I can’t exactly confirm this but judging from the contextual clues this is probably that fabric flower worn in the hairstyles of mourning women, although I believe this should only be for members of the imperial family.

2. 死不瞑目 – this is usually taken as the equivalent of ‘rolling over in one’s grave’ but the text says Mdm Zheng vividly remembers the look of it, so it has perhaps been used in its literal meaning, which is ‘to not close one’s eyes even in death’, i.e. he died unpeacefully so his eyes were open.

3. 自知当死 – literally ‘I already take myself as a dead person’.

4. 回事儿 – ‘回事’ is an archaic term for reporting to one’s master, but adding the ‘er’ character to the end makes it sound informal on CMY’s tongue so I translated it to ‘manner o’ reporting’.

5. 安置 – refers to settling someone down i.e. finding a house for them and making sure they have a way to live like the way Chu Mingyun settled Chen Siheng.

6. 陪睡 – I translated it literally, but it actually means to trade sexual favours for benefits.

7. To say one is thin-skinned means that they are easily embarrassed.

　　Since they were to investigate the case, the first investigation would naturally be the first victim, Zheng Wan of Right Fufeng.
　　Chang’an City was not far from Fufeng County. Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu were not people who liked extravagance, and they don’t have heavy luggage to bring, so after a simple briefing of their subordinate officials on handling court duties, they put on regular clothing and left the city on horseback with ease. They travelled very quickly, passing by rolling rivers, crossing through lonely barren hills, and seeing the shadow of an inn just as night fell, they would likely enter Fufeng County by the next day.
　　It was the Mid-Autumn Festival, coinciding with the time when wanderers returned to their hometowns on horseback¹. The inn was brightly lit, and the sounds of conversation made it lively. The Xiao’er (小二, a colloquial title for waitstaff in small establishments) was busy shuttling between the tables and hurriedly went to greet them when he saw the two entering the store. After hearing that they planned to stay the night, the Xiao’er wiped his forehead with the sweat towel on his shoulders. He was a little embarrassed: “To you two honored guests, you have also seen that there are many people staying here today, we only have one room left here……” His gaze flicked between Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu, and asked: “That room is quite big. Since the two honored guests are both men, if you don’t mind… can you squeeze a bit? “
　　When one is away from home, you should be prepared for a lack of vacancies in the inn. Since even if they camped outside he would still have to be facing that face all night, is there really a choice?
　　The furnishings in the guest rooms were all prepared. Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu stared at the bed for a while, and finally Chu Mingyun broke the silence with a loud voice, “It’s fine, tonight I can sleep on the ground.”
　　Su Shiyu frowned slightly, “You don’t need to use the way you treat girls on me. You and I are of equal status. How would it be decent of me to let you sleep on the ground?” Chu Mingyun sat at the table and topped up the cup of tea for himself, glanced out the corner of his eye, and said with a half-smile: “The Grand Secretary supervises hundreds of officials, but I never heard he has to oversee them all the way to the bed. If I don’t tell others, who would know this sort of trivial thing?”
　　Su Shiyu looked sideways at him, “Manners are set as such, even if no one is aware, there are still boundaries that cannot be violated.” 
“…Why do I sense an underlying meaning in your words?” Chu Mingyun, who has never taken etiquette seriously, asked rhetorically.
　　”Is that so?”
　　”Yes.”
　　”…” Su Shiyu glanced at him, and smiled faintly: “Master Chu is imagining things.” After a pause he added, “Regardless of etiquette, Master Chu is currently a suspect, in the unfortunate event that another murder case happens tonight, without me testifying at your side, I’m afraid it will be difficult for you to handle.”
　　Tapping the wooden table lightly with his fingertips, Chu Mingyun propped up his chin and chuckled, “Oh? Turns out you’re worried that I’ll run away in the middle of the night?” His voice paused slightly, while his eyes staring at Su Shiyu deepened, and said slowly in a low tone: “Then you–aren’t you worried about what I might do to you in the middle of the night?”
　　”If Master Chu really thinks I would allow myself to be slaughtered.” Su Shiyu smiled.
　　Chu Mingyun retracted his gaze, spreading his hands and turning a bit innocent, “Am I not being conscious of my bad reputation, and afraid of implicating Master Su? To think I’m being this considerate of you, and you don’t appreciate it.”
　　Su Shiyu heard this and even seemed to nod in agreement, then looked up at rafters and smiled gently, “Since Master Chu has good intentions at heart, then I have been disrespectful. However, I am afraid that I will have to trouble Master Chu sleeping on the inside, to avoid me accidentally stepping on you when I wake up to drink tea at night.”
　　”……Master Su has the habit of getting up to drink tea in the middle of the night?”
　　Su Shiyu gave him a look, smiling, “I didn’t have one before, but who knows if I might tonight.”
　　”……” Chu Mingyun spread the fan and covered his face with a brush, holding the skirt of his clothes in one hand, and sighed faintly: “I didn’t expect Master Su to be so insistent on sleeping with me for the night, then I’ll have to follow you².”
　　”……” Su Shiyu said, “Let’s go downstairs for dinner.”
　　The guests downstairs were sparser than when they came, and no longer so noisy. Xiao Er went to the restaurant and yawned and left. For a while, there was only the sound of cups in the inn.
　　Chu Mingyun suddenly thought of something, swallowed his tea, and said, “By the way, Su Xing, who is filling in for Right Fufeng, what relation does he have with you?”
　　”He’s my uncle³.” Su Shiyu said.
　　”Blood-related uncle?”
“Yes,” Su Shiyu said, “My father is the oldest, followed by this uncle, and A’Yue’s mother is the youngest.”
　　”But how is it I remember, that back then it was your father Su Jue’s idea to exile from the capital under accusation of receiving bribes, without listening to other opinions?” Chu Mingyun asked.
　　”It’s true,” Su Shiyu said in deep thought, “but I’m still not really clear why, I only know that there was some conflict between my father and uncle afterwards. After that, my uncle was far away in Zhenjiang, and we’ve rarely been in contact these years. In the beginning when both my parents died of illness, he didn’t come, but he asked my paternal aunt to deliver the eulogy on his behalf.” Chu Mingyun was uncomfortable to comment on other people’s family affairs, so he nodded his head and didn’t say anymore.
　　As the night darkened, the inn became completely silent, and Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu also stood quietly beside the bed for a long time, neither party making any movement.
　　Although they have made a decision to sleep in the same bed and were prepared for it, when it really came down to this time, there would still inevitably be some awkwardness. After being silent for a long time, Chu Mingyun finally spoke again and pointed to the bed, “How does Master Su think…we should allocate (the space)?”
　　Su Shiyu retracted his gaze and said as flatly as possible: “How did you squeeze into one bed with others in the past, just do the same now, why care too much.”
　　”But I only slept with women in the past,” Chu Mingyun laughed, “They usually snuggle into my embrace, so Master Su, you too…?” He didn’t finish his sentence, raising his brows slightly, staring at Su Shiyu with a meaningful smile.
　　”…” Su Shiyu took a deep look at him, then turned his gaze and sighed, raised his hand to draw a line out of thin air, “I always wake up early, you sleep on the inside.”
　　Chu Ming made a noise of agreement, he had no objection.
　　To think they have opposed each other for many years, and in these years they had not exchanged many words, and yet now they would be in the same room, removing their guan, letting down hair, removing belts and loosening their robes. It can be seen that things of the world are truly fickle and unspeakable.
　　But when it came to taking off the outer robe, they somehow couldn’t move on to the next step. Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu looked at each other silently, blew out the lamp, and lay down in their clothing. Unspeakable awkwardness enveloped the whole room.
　　It has always been difficult for Chu Mingyun to fall into deep sleep, not to mention now there was another person beside him, it was unknown how much time had passed, yet his mind was still alert. Laying down a little irritated, Chu Mingyun wanted not to disturb Su Shiyu and got up quietly, but suddenly he smelled a faint fragrance when he moved.
　　A little light and gentle breath lingered on the tip of his nose, like a flower that blooms silently in the night, he concentrated for a moment to identify it, it was a Calming Incense (安神香). Chu Mingyun leaned a little closer to Su Shiyu’s direction. Sure enough, the scent was even clearer. It calmed down and soothed his mind. In the coolness of the night, it was lingering warmth, slowly immersing one into the dark.
　　Chu Mingyun lay back, lying sideways with his arm, his eyes naturally fell on Su Shiyu’s face.
　　Moonlight fell heavily over the building⁴, light leaked through the decorated doorway⁵; a layer of silvery white fell like frost on the bedside. Su Shiyu lay with his eyes closed next to him, breathing smoothly, his eyelashes slightly tinged with moonlight which created a small patch of shadow on his face, and his brows had a gentleness and peacefulness that he had not seen before.
　　He stared straight at Su Shiyu, engrossed, and suddenly raised his hand silently, bending his fingers in a sharp arc slowly reaching toward Su Shiyu’s neck.
　　It was the perfect opportunity to let this person die silently, without being noticed by anyone, as long as people thought that he was assassinated like the five people, it wouldn’t matter. It doesn’t matter, in any case he is lying here now, completely defenseless…
　　–completely defenseless?
　　Chu Mingyun halted his movement, an inch away from being able to strangle Su Shiyu’s neck.
　　Su Shiyu’s breathing remained steady, without the slightest change in reaction. Chu Mingyun squinted his eyes slightly, and then the corners of his lips lightly tugged upwards, he relaxed his fingers and then let them land on that smooth forehead, brushing a few strands of loose hair to the side of his face. Chu Mingyun retracted his hand and stared at it for a moment, then rolled over and closed his eyes to fall asleep.
　　Only when there was finally no more movement on his side, Su Shiyu opened his eyes. He raised his hand to press to his own forehead, and glanced sideways at Chu Mingyun in confusion.

　　When he woke up the next day, the other side (of the bed) was truly already empty. Chu Mingyun zoned out for a while, unexpectedly realising that he slept well last night, and he didn’t know if it was thanks to the Calming Incense on the body that had laid next to him. He got up slowly, went downstairs to eat with Su Shiyu, and they continued the hit the road without stopping.
　　The past few days can be regarded as high in autumn, and the visible skies were crystal-blue, but it is a little cold. They finally arrived at Fufeng County just before noon. After receiving the news of them entering the city, Right Fufeng Su Xing brought people to greet them in front of the mansion. Seeing Su Shiyu from a distance, he quickly walked over with a grin.
　　Su Shiyu dismounted, turned to greet Su Xing, and smiled: “Uncle.”
　　”Aiyah, good, good.” Su Xing patted him on the shoulder, his brows suddenly frowned, “Yu’er, I haven’t seen you these years, how have you lost this much weight?”
　　”It’s probably because I’m occasionally busy, but I don’t really think I lost weight.” Su Shiyu gestured to his side, “That’s Grand Marshall Chu Mingyun, who came to investigate the case with me this time. Uncle should have seen him a few times before.”
　　Su Xing looked over and made a satisfactory greeting.
　　Someone had led their horses down long ago, and the Yamen led them to the inner courtyard residence. Su Shiyu took two steps backward slightly, connected to the topic before: “It’s fine if you don’t know how to take care of yourself, but your uncle (referring to himself) has been hearing people in Zhenjiang say, you have never had someone at your side to take care of you.”
　　Whenever he reunited with friends or relatives in Chang’an and exchange pleasantries, they always talk about how he was not married yet.
　　Su Shiyu smiled and said, “I’ve troubled Uncle to worry about me, I…”
　　”Don’t try that with me,” Su Xing interrupted him, “With conditions such as yours, if you were looking for one, all of the ladies in Chang’an would be up to your choosing. Just tell me the truth, what on earth are you thinking?”
　　Su Shiyu sighed and said: “The situation of the court is yet unstable, this nephew cannot be distracted from it. Besides, without a family I can be spared from being dragged down, doing things by oneself ultimately. …”
　　”Nonsense!”
　　”……” Su Shiyu was silent.
　　”When you create a family, only then can one be considered settled.” Su Xing seemed to hate iron not becoming steel⁶. “Yu’er, you are older than the other brothers (family members i.e. cousins, not actual brothers) of the same generation, but now everyone else has three or four children, and it’s just you who only has a position.”
　　Su Shiyu was silent for a moment, looking at Chu Mingyun’s back in front of him, said with intent to console his anxiety: “Why does Uncle need to be so overly concerned, in the capital I’m not the only person like that. Grand Marshall Chu is also a person in a high-ranked position, and he has also yet to produce heirs. “
　　Chu Su Xing has long heard what type of character Chu Mingyun has. Hearing this he glanced at him disdainfully, and said, “With his character, it is only right that he has no descendants.”
　　”…” Chu Mingyun, who was walking in the front, showed that he had heard everything, so he paused, turned around unhurriedly, looked at Su Shiyu with smiling brows and eyes, and said softly: “Why are you walking so slowly? Is it because I made you tired last night? Would you like me to come over and carry you?”
　　Except for the two of them, everyone present suddenly looked like they had been struck by lightning.
　　Su Shiyu stared at him with a smile deep with intent, ” Master Chu.”
Chu Mingyun smiled at him, and turned back to proceed forward having attained peace of mind and body.
　　Su Shiyu turned his face towards the shocked Su Xing, and said helplessly: “It was just a joke, I plead Uncle not to take it seriously.” 
“You…him…” Su Xing’s hand trembled as he pointed, unable to speak.
　　Su Shiyu met Su Xing’s gaze and said flatly: “Uncle thinks he should believe me, or believe him?”
　　”…oh.” Su Xing returned to himself with difficulty, forgetting what he wanted to say before, opening his mouth a few times, then he said: “Forget it, I won’t nag you anymore, you should pay a bit more attention. When I came to take office this time, I saw your aunt when I passed by Jinling. She said that it has almost been a year past your mourning period⁷, since Du Yue is also in Chang’an, if you delay any longer, she will personally take care of it for you and see her son along the way.”
　　Su Shiyu was slightly taken aback, “Aunt really said that?”
　　Su Xing smiled and glanced at him, “Every word is what your aunt originally said, so consider it yourself.”
　　Su Shiyu nodded, his eyes darkened.

The author has something to say:
This time the two people sharing the same bed can still be barely considered straight, but the next time…cough cough, just goes to show that things of this world are really fickle and wonderful.

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(T/N: I’ve been holding back on reading this novel so I can read it along as people get the translated version,….but there’s no one talking in the comments either hahah ;=;)

1.游子归乡 – literally translates to wanderers’ return to their hometown, but in general these ‘wanderers’ refer to anyone who had to live outside their hometown for work/ travelling merchants etc.

2. 从了你 – meaning that you’re willing to get married to the person (as a wife or concubine).

3. 叔父 – father’s younger brother, though I’m sure you could tell from the dialogue.

4. 《月上重楼》which is the title of a xianxia novel by 南夜公子.

5. 光漏入绮户 – the “Qihu” refers to a doorway ornamented with paper decorations, may be a reference to a poem on a sleepless night by Su Shi (Song Dynasty poet): “转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。”

6. 恨铁不成钢 – to be disappointed by

7. 服丧期 – this is a period after the passing of close relatives where one cannot become engaged or marry an engaged spouse, nor take concubines. It’s usually 3 years for parents’ death, so it has been nearly 4 years since Shiyu’s parents died.

After the passing of Bailu, the swan-geese flew south¹, the weather turned cooler, the skies were gradually overtaken by the desolate atmosphere of autumn, while a murderous air was filling the world. Over the past few days, the sky has been gray and gloomy, hovering over people’s heads, and simultaneously pressing on people’s hearts.
　　There was panic in the hearts of everyone in both inner and outer Chang’an City.
　　After Zheng Wan of Right Fufeng was killed in his home, within a few months, four more officials in several counties of Jingji died violently, shaking the entire political scene. After investigation and comparisons between the scenes-of-crime, it was found that similar tactics were used in these five crimes, but the locations were far apart. This was basically evidence that it was organized murder. As soon as this conclusion was deduced, Li Yanzhen could no longer sit still.
　　The killing of officials in itself was an act belittling the Emperor’s authority, and yet these had even happened successively in counties neighboring the capital. This was a clear threat to Chang’an, challenging the imperial power.
　　The (regulation of) entry and exit checkpoints of Chang’an City was made even stricter, while patrols within the city by the defense army stepped up. The teahouse was rife with rumours and discussion, and malicious speculations were cast on almost every important figure there was². There were even nosy people secretly placing bets and guessing who would die next.
　　The case was transferred to the Censorate through the Ministry of Justice, and Emperor Li Yanzhen ordered that the Grand Secretary personally investigate the case. All parties were to assist and cooperate with no allowance for error.

　　The lights in the Censorate stayed on all night, and suspects and evidence were constantly seized from places and brought in. Within the Censorate both major and minor officials were so busy that they could not step away, and after a few days there was finally a development that they quickly reported to the Grand Secretary.
　　The person bearing the imperial decree, Su Shiyu, took a rough look at the report, smiled gently at them and said: “All of your honored selves have been working hard these few days. This investigation cannot be done hastily, tomorrow happens to be a break day⁴, I request your honored selves to return to your residences and rest well.”
　　All of the Censorate officials were immediately dumbfounded, and looked at each other not knowing what to do. From the officials of court and the members of the gentry, to the cotton-clothed commoners; at the present moment all parties’ eyes were on the Censorate. This was obviously a matter of grave urgency³, let alone with the imperial decree involved, who dares to leave?
　　Then they found out that their Grand Secretary had really left.
　　
　　Su Shiyu was playing (a chess game) against himself in the study. He tapped chess piece leisurely, staring at the black and white grid⁵ of the chess board intently.
　　”Young master!” Su Bai hurriedly pushed the door and entered.
　　Su Shiyu glanced at him distractedly, and said, “You forgot to knock the door again.”
　　”Hehe, I remembered to ask this time, my father isn’t around.” Su Bai stepped forward and said, “Young master, you’re really not going to the Censorate today? It’s not even been a while, and already several officials have sent people here.”
　　” What did they send people to say?”
　　”It’s probably all asking if you’re in, and then saying that the case is urgent, even if you’re not going because it’s a break day, at least give them some opinion, otherwise the Censorate won’t know how to proceed with the investigation.”
　　Su Shiyu’s gaze remained on the chessboard, holding a crystal-bright and smooth white piece between his fingers, deep in thought and not uttering a word.
　　”…Young Master?” Su Bai raised his voice tentatively.
　　”I heard you.” Su Shiyu finally spoke, not looking up even after placing the piece. He took another black piece and examined the board. “I have seen their statements and exhibits (evidence), the existing leads all point to the Grand Marshall. If I wanted to investigate it would be settled in just a matter of two or three days. It isn’t that they are oblivious of how to proceed, but that they dare not act rashly without my permission, so why be anxious?”
　　”Then why is young master not declaring the order!” Su Bai unconsciously made two steps forward in excitement, “It’s rare that Grand Marshall Chu showed such a big slip-up!”
　　”It’s not him.” Su Shiyu said blandly .
　　”Ah?” Su Bai was stunned.
　　”You be a bit more quiet, all this noise made me forget where I just placed (the weiqi piece).” Su Shiyu raised his head and gave Su Bai a look.
　　Su Bai shut his mouth immediately and reached out to point at the chessboard.
　　Su Shiyu also placed the black piece down, and then continued: “You’re also aware that, since the time of the first emperor of our Daxia (the name of the current dynasty), there has been a prevalent emphasis placed on civil office and undercutting of the military office. After experiencing two uprisings by the Huns, the military strength is already impaired, and there were frequent floods and famines since His Majesty’s ascension, common folk have been displaced, there have been few people with outstanding martial talents, not to mention those of rare military talent such as Grand Marshall Chu. Back then that High Official Chen Xuanwen highly appreciated and praised him, and after (Chu Mingyun’s) father passed away, there was no longer a general in court who could compare with him. Over the past three years his position has become more and more stable, up to the present where he has taken the post of Grand Marshall. He is currently in his prime so Jingji officials mostly want to cling to him. His current situation is good, why would he spend the effort to kill people? Even if you didn’t consider the mass hysteria created, it would be easily draw consequences back to himself. There is really a lack of motive, and even less merit to be gained.”
　　”This kind of brazen killing is obviously intended to attract the attention of the court, and the evidence leads indicating Marshall Chu’s involvement are too conspicuous. It isn’t a mistake he would make, but it rather seems like someone is deliberately guiding us.” He paused. “What’s more, I have known him for many years, and I have never seen him use wording as normal as in the letter submitted as evidence.”
　　”Young master means that there is a mastermind behind the scenes planting it to frame him?” As soon as he said that Su Bai couldn’t help but say doubtfully, “That’s not right ah, now the power in capital is divided in two, and (the one who did) it isn’t us. Could it possibly be an internal conflict of the Chu faction?”
　　”There are only two factions in Beijing, but there are so many hungry wolves watching with hostile intent outside Chang’an, how would you know if there hasn’t been someone who entered to interfere?” Su Shiyu raised his face, gave Su Bai a smile, and then retracted his gaze again, “It’s just that I still can’t understand why that party has suddenly targeted Grand Marshall Chu.”
　　”Perhaps it’s because that Grand Marshall Chu’s character is really too awful.” Su Bai speculated.
　　Su Shiyu halted his hands playing qi and said softly: “Saving people in distress, repaying debts of gratitude, it’s not considered too awful.”
　　Su Bai couldn’t hear clearly: “Young master, what did you say?”
　　But Su Shiyu continued from where he left off earlier, saying: “There are many suspicious points in this case, so I plan to personally investigate it from the startpoint. After all, Grand Marshall Chu has commanded the army for many years, who knows how many soldiers can still tell whether their surname is Li or Chu⁶. If he is rashly executed, I am afraid it will throw the army’s loyalty into turmoil. Besides, there are few people remaining in court capable of being a general except him. If the bordering countries took this opportunity…” His speech suddenly stopped, and a smile suddenly surfaced from the corner of his lips, and he repeated the word as if to savor it,
“……the border.”
　　Su Bai was still at a loss, only for Su Shiyu to stand up and face him, instructing: “Keep all the existing evidence at the Censorate, no one is to move them without my permission. Tell assistant officials in the Censorate that they are do things as usual, they don’t need to do anything about this case for now.”
　　”Yes,” Su Bai nodded repeatedly, “Anything else?”
　　”Prepare the carriage.” Su Shiyu moved the chessboard aside, adjusted his sleeves and walked out. “I’m making a trip to the Grand Marshall’s residence. Although I don’t like that person much, I would still rather he stay than those fellows at the border.”
　　
　　Su Shiyu’s sudden visit surprised Chu Mingyun, and when he received the document from the other party, his expression instead evened into placidity.
　　Su Shiyu waited for him to read the contents of the letter, then asked, “Is there anything Master Chu wishes to say?” 
Chu Mingyun examined it attentively: “These words are unimpactful, and lacks spirit. It’s far less beautiful than my own writing.”
　　”…… is there no other opinions you have?”
　　”If you don’t believe me, shall I write a letter of appointment for you to see? “Chu Mingyun said seriously.
　　”…From how I see it, Master Chu is planning to write a plea letter⁷ for my appreciation.” Su Shiyu said, “Aren’t you going to offer something as explanation?”
　　”Why do something unnecessary,” Chu Mingyun smiled, and put the letter on the small desk to the side, “Since Master Su brought all the exhibits to show me, do I still need to work harder to excuse myself?”
　　Su Shiyu smiled, “Master Chu is indeed a wise man. Since these murder cases were not your doing, the Censorate also naturally can’t malign a pillar of the country…”
　　”Master Su,” Chu Mingyun interjected coolly, “calling me a pillar of the country, don’t you feel a little disingenuous?”
　　Su Shiyu swept his gaze over the realistically self-aware Chu Mingyun, and continued with an unmoved expression: “My plan is for you to go with me to the places where the crime occurred for detailed investigation, and see if there was anything omitted, so as to help clear the suspicion on you. If Master Chu has no objection, I will soon enter the palace and ask His Majesty for permission.”
　　”You can arrange it.” Chu Mingyun said indifferently, “It’s just that for Master Su to work so hard for my sake, how should I repay you?” He paused, and looked to Su Shiyu with a smile all over his face, “Do you want me to repay you with my body?”
　　”I can’t accept that generosity⁸.” Su Shiyu smiled blandly, paused for a moment and said, “But if Master Chu is truly grateful, please use less banter⁹ from now on.”
　　”Oh–?”Chu Mingyun slightly lifted his brows, as if modestly seeking advice, “How do I not remember any banter said, can you say some of it to me as an example?”
　　” …… Master Chu. “
　　”I’m here. “
　　” Goodbye.”
　　”I’ll see you off ah.” Chu Mingyun got up and followed, smiling.
　　The two returned outside through the corridor. Leaves fell silently from the Chinese Parasol trees lining the corridor, neither of them spoke for a long while. The smile on Chu Mingyun’s face gradually faded, and his eyes lifted up and down several times, and he suddenly looked sideways at Su Shiyu and said, “Although it is a major murder case, you don’t actually need to go there in person to get a detailed understanding of the situation, right?”
　　”Indeed, but in the end, I still want to confirm it myself.” Su Shiyu said.
　　”I heard that people who are so hands-on¹⁰, are that way because they actually can’t fully trust others,” Chu Mingyun laughed. “Master Su’s heart is guarded to this extent. Might there have been some painful experience in the past?”
　　There was hardly any disturbance to Su Shiyu’s expression, and he calmly said: “What is Master Chu asking this for?”
　　Chu Mingyun turned his head to look at him: “I’m just casually asking, if I made you recall something sad, wouldn’t I be just in time to take advantage of it and curry your favour?”
　　Su Shiyu smiled lightly, “Troubled you with concern,” he lowered his eyes, “I’m very well.”

After sending Su Shiyu off, and returning to the study, he instantly saw Qin Zhao seriously studying that letter submitted as evidence. Chu Mingyun folded his arms and leaned on the bookshelf, asking: “Is there anything you can see? ”
” Someone’s framed you, “Qin Zhao raised his head and looked over at him, “which force is behind it this time? “
　　Chu Mingyun turned back and took several booklets off the shelf, and as he threw each booklet onto the side-table read:” Right Fufeng’s Zheng Wan, Duyang County Magistrate Chen Mu, Hedong County ‘s Senior Provincial Officer Jiang Zheng…”
The booklets were spread out messily on the table, and all the five officials killed were listed on it. (T/N: These are the booklets he took from the secret vault in the previous chapter, each representing one person.)
　　Chu Mingyun laughed grimly: “If Su Shiyu came to conduct a search just now, I’m afraid I would have been jailed by now, and these would be the evidence.”
　　”So these were deliberately left for us?” Qin Zhao asked.
　　”I took the bronze seal by force. How would he have the ability to predict this.” Chu Mingyun sneered. “I don’t know if that Boss Mu is still alive because his luck is great, or if there is someone else behind him. Rather than say they foresaw this, it’s better to say they didn’t want the information to be used by us after that incident happened, so they pre-emptively cleaned it out by killing, and then pinned the blame on me in passing, turning the disadvantage to seize a general from me¹¹. But too bad ah—-” He sighed lazily, leaned to grab a booklet, and tore it in half, “That this time even Su Shiyu is here to help me.”
　　However, Su Shiyu must have his own intentions. Seeking justice to preserve a loyal official’s innocence, that sort of thing isn’t suited to the two of them. What’s more, how could Chu Mingyun be considered some loyal subject, just listening to it is good for a laugh. Although he doesn’t know why Su Shiyu didn’t take the opportunity to get rid of him, but the situation was ultimately beneficial to him, so Chu Mingyun didn’t bother to delve into it.
　　It’s just that there’s someone who can’t help but delve into it.
　　In the Xuanshi Hall¹², after hearing Su Shiyu’s report, Li Yanzhen gave him a complicated look for a long time, and said honestly: “I (Zhen) don’t understand.”
(T/N: I will use We/Us/Our to translate 朕 (Zhen) from now on, it’s just too funny not to use it here.)

　　”Your Majesty can be at ease. Although this subject believes this case is not the doing of Grand Marshall Chu, but he is ultimately a suspect. It is just as a precaution that this subject has asked him to go and investigate this time, and there is no other intention.” 
“Beloved Subject is overthinking it, We are not suspicious of you, but am really puzzled. Beloved Subject Su has clearly reminded Us to be wary of Beloved Subject Chu, saying that his thinking is impure, and may pose a threat to my rule. But now there’s this great opportunity, why is Beloved Subject Su letting it go?”
“This subject did say those words before,” Su Shiyu said, “but a fight between the snipe and clam¹³, letting the fisherman profit, would truly be unwise.”
　　Li Yanzhen is even more confused: “I understand what Beloved Subject says about the turmoil at the border, but if you look at it from this perspective, Beloved Subject Chu cannot be touched (offended), so how should I deal with him?”
　　”As of present my Daxia has few strong generals, Grand Marshall Chu is indispensable, and can only be suppressed for the time being, we can only wait for the day that this country cultivates a capable general, and then he can be be speedily removed.”
　　”It can be said as such, but over these years everybody can see that Beloved Subject Chu’s power is growing greater by the day…”
　　…Can we wait for that day? Li Yanzhen hesitated time and again, swallowing back this question¹⁴.
　　The post of the Grand Marshall is in charge of military affairs, but they would still need to ask the emperor for permission to mobilise the army, and they would have no military power by themselves. But Chu Mingyun joined the court for six years. Not only has his authority become solely recognised by the Ministry of War, even the soldiers are more loyal to him. Li Yanzhen occasionally put aside the distractions of his sculpting, calligraphy and painting, and found that he couldn’t figure out exactly whose hand the military power was in.
　　Su Shiyu pondered for a moment, and then said: “In fact, your Majesty needn’t be too worried.” His deep colour of his eyes receded¹⁵, and he said slowly, “From this subject’s perspective, Grand Marshall Chu’s pride and character of acting inappropriately for his station¹⁶ are his key points. Currently, because of this he was spared from several considerations yet could ascend smoothly¹⁷, but when he is truly positioned at the cliff peak, this will also surely cause him to fall deep into the abyss.”

The author has something to say:
The amount of information in this chapter, might be somewhat more.
Right Fufeng, Jing¹⁸ Zhaoyi, Left Fengyi, known collectively as the Sanfu, are local officials governing the areas within the capital, if you converted the five who died to our modern day context, is probably the concept of two provincial governors and three county magistrates dying off……En……so our two dear officials need to be dispatched.

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T/N: Wow, this chapter is really exhausting to translate (just look at the number of footnotes), but Su Shiyu’s cuteness gave me strength…even though he sounds like a villain waiting to push Chu Mingyun when he least expects it ala Shen Qingqiu & Luo Binghe, I expect he’ll also be the one to offer rope if not accompany him on the way down…but this chapter can be boiled down to this:
Su Shiyu: This letter is written too normally to be Chu Mingyun!
Emperor: Yeah, but don’t you want to get rid of him? Or are you really gay for him?

1.Bailu 白露 (literally white dew) – the 15th cycle of the lunar calendar, or the start of the 8th lunar month. It marks the transition into autumn.

2.有头有脸的人物 – literally ‘people who have a head and have a face’, meaning all the who’s whos/anyone of renown in the town.

3. 十万火急刻不容缓 – Literally: an emergency involving ten thousand torches that would not allow for slowing down. Likely an idiom originating from the passing of military news.

4.休沐 – off-day declared for officials every 5 or 10 days depending on the post.

5.黑白丛横 – I translated it literally but I should also state that this is the title of a 2008 novel.

6. Meaning that they seem to recognise Chu Mingyun’s authority more so than the Emperor’s authority.

7. 状书 – the correct term is writ, but basically implying that he needs to plea to the Emperor/ Su Shiyu not to take action based on the current evidence.

8. 愧不敢当 – commonly used to “modestly” reject praise, but here he’s sarcastically saying that Chu Mingyun’s body is a honor that’s too large a reward.

9. 戏谑之语 – cracking jokes. Basically he wants Su Shiyu to repeat the words he used to flirt with him.

10.事必躬亲 – needing to handle matters by oneself.

11. 将我一军 – xiangqi chess-related metaphor originating from using a move to capture the General chesspiece. It means to make use of something or circumstances important to the other party to put them in a dangerous situation.

12. 宣室殿 – Although it has the word for ‘Palace’, this building in the ancient imperial city is actually more like an discussion hall where the Emperor could receive distinguished subjects for private audience (sensitive matters related to the throne or imperial family). It is also mentioned in the Shiji under the 《贾生传》and the Tales of the Sanfu, 《三辅故事》

13. 鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利 – an idiom referring to two parties engaged in a conflict that results in heavy losses on both sides, only for a third party to take advantage of them. The snipe is a bird. This idiom originates from Liu Xiang’s (of The Western Han Dynasty) Strategies of the Warring States《战国策·燕策二》.

14. 疑问咽了回去 – literally swallowing the question back.

15. 眸色深敛 – okay this one stumped me a bit, I translated it as closely as possible but it might be a typo for 眸色极深 which just means that Su Shiyu had really dark eyes.

16. 不矜名节 – usually this phrase means that one does not use demand self-respect from others because of their status, but the way that Su Shiyu puts it here implies that he doesn’t know how to act with self-respect befitting his stature.

17. 青云直上 – to literally ‘rise in a straight line above the clear skies and clouds’.

18. 右扶风, 京兆尹，左冯翊 – the first character indicates a cardinal position relative to the capital, so ‘Jing’ Zhaoyi probably governs the central part of the capital when the Sanfu (三辅) were in power. These are titles, not names. See the previous chapter notes for more details.