Chapter 7: The Third Watch
by Donghua Reader
Title: Shadow of the Silent Blade
Your master is quite renowned in the State of Zhao. I had hoped inviting him out of retirement would resolve this matter, yet it ended thus.
Zhao Shisong walked ahead, his face etched with regret.
But you needn’t fear. The illness in my residence likely stems from the bitter cold and lingering yin energy, compounded by my wife’s frail constitution. It should prove no great harm.
Ning Changjiu nodded.
Master devoted his entire life to this path. To pass away because of it… in a way, it was a fitting end.
Zhao Shisong hadn’t expected such philosophical calm from the youth. He chuckled approvingly.
If fortune smiles upon you, you may well surpass your master.
Thank you.
Ning Xiaoling walked silently beside them, head bowed. Zhao Shisong glanced at her. The girl was delicate and charming, yet her eyes held a persistent chill. He couldn’t resist teasing.
Young lady, how old are you? How many years have you studied under your master?
Fourteen. I’ve trained under my master for three years.
You seem quite gifted. You must have learned a great deal these past years?
Ning Xiaoling silently cursed Ning Qinshui in her heart, but outwardly, she smiled faintly.
Not really. Cultivation requires years of steady accumulation.
You’re quite modest, young lady.
Mr. Zhao flatters me.
They soon arrived at Zhao Shisong’s residence.
At the entrance stood a carriage. A wandering Taoist emerged, swaying back and forth with a yellow talisman plastered to his forehead, muttering incantations.
This formula used to be infallible. What’s wrong today? Could I be possessed too?
Spotting Zhao Shisong’s return, the Taoist halted abruptly, bowed, and forced an apologetic smile.
Your Highness, forgive this humble monk’s incompetence. I cannot fathom your wife’s illness—neither quite demonic nor quite supernatural. It troubles me deeply.
Zhao Shisong sighed.
Never mind. Take your silver and go home.
The Taoist nodded, then noticed the two youths in Taoist robes. His expression shifted.
You two are in this line of work too?
Is there a problem?
The wandering Taoist circled them, clicking his tongue.
Promising young talents, but heed this elder’s advice—go back. Don’t waste your efforts.
Ning Changjiu ignored him and turned to Zhao Shisong.
Please lead the way, Mr. Zhao.
The Taoist’s cheeks flushed red.
In this imperial city, I rank among the top five in our trade! I’m offering sound advice—if you won’t listen, so be it!
Ning Changjiu still ignored him. Zhao Shisong, already annoyed, waved dismissively and led the two inside.
The Taoist huffed, then followed.
Ning Xiaoling frowned.
Stinking Taoist, why are you following us?
I’ll just watch from the sidelines without interfering. I want to see what tricks you two have—daring to be so cocky at such a young age.
Ning Xiaoling’s brows shot up, but Ning Changjiu cut in.
It’s fine. Let him come.
They passed through corridors until faint coughing drifted from an inner courtyard.
A maid at the doorway spotted Zhao Shisong and called out, “Master!” before stepping aside.
Inside, the room was warm from a brazier. A young woman lay on her side on a tatami mat, her cheeks pale, eyes half-closed. She coughed softly, delicate and pitiful, yet undeniably beautiful.
Ning Xiaoling had expected a dignified lady, but this woman seemed barely twenty.
Upon seeing Zhao Shisong, the woman reached for the quilt to rise, but he hurried forward and pressed her hand gently.
She glanced toward the others and frowned.
Didn’t that Taoist just leave? Why is he back? He seems rather incompetent, wandering about here. Quite bothersome.
The wandering Taoist sighed.
Madam speaks wisely.
The woman studied the two unfamiliar faces, then smiled faintly.
This young Taoist has delicate features. Seeing him does lift one’s spirits a little.
Ning Changjiu didn’t respond. His gaze swept the beams of the room as if searching.
The Taoist smirked, waiting for him to fail. Ning Changjiu reached into his sleeve, but pulled nothing out.
The Taoist sneered.
What’s the matter? Forgot your talisman paper? Shall I lend you a few?
The woman frowned, Zhao Shisong glared, and the Taoist reluctantly fell silent.
Ning Changjiu stretched out his empty hand.
Just lend me a copper coin.
A copper coin? Are you mocking this humble monk?
Ning Changjiu’s palm remained open. The Taoist groaned, then tossed him a coin.
Changjiu caught it, placed it on a wooden cabinet, and after a pause said—
It’s done.
Everyone froze.
The Taoist sputtered.
Do you take us all for fools?
Just as Zhao Shisong was about to speak, the coin split cleanly into three pieces.
Ning Changjiu looked at the young woman.
Do you feel any better?
She chuckled softly, about to deny it. But when their eyes met, it was as if a bitter winter wind pierced her mind, leaving her frozen.
After a moment, she smiled.
Ah, I do feel much better now. My body feels lighter.
Zhao Shisong, seeing her color improve, was overjoyed.
I always thought “spending money to ward off disaster” was just a saying. Meeting you today, Little Taoist, I see it holds profound truth. I don’t know how to thank you.
My junior sister and I have nowhere to go.
Someone, prepare rooms for our guests!
The wandering Taoist’s eyes bulged.
This…this…are you conspiring to trick me?
Zhao Shisong waved dismissively.
See him out.
Hey! I—my copper coins!
Owed.
Deep into the night.
The young woman awoke, stretched lazily, and reached for the lamp. But she froze, clutching her chest in fear.
In the dim room, a faint figure sat at the table.
Stop pretending.
The candle flared to life.
You… it’s you? You little Taoist! I thought you decent enough by day, but you barge into my boudoir in the night? Get out, or I’ll call for help!
Ning Changjiu turned his chair calmly.
Tell me about your young mistress.
Young mistress? What nonsense are you spouting? Do I look like a servant?
You’ve been bedridden pretending to be ill. I saw your young mistress once today. Let me tell you about her.
The woman laughed mockingly.
You men are all the same. Cure my illness and think I owe you myself? If my master knew, he’d have you beaten out with sticks!
Don’t you want to hear it?
Hah, you’re quite impudent. Fine then, who is my master?
She has pawns scattered across the city, but with her plans so rushed, coordinating them is difficult. You’ve likely received no letter from her for days, have you?
I don’t understand what you’re saying.
She’s also gravely wounded. With so many hunting her, how could she escape unscathed?
The woman’s eyes glistened with sorrow.
You came… just to tell me this?
I’m just an ordinary Taoist. I haven’t chosen sides yet. Every word you say from now could sway me.
She smiled bitterly.
An ordinary Taoist who barges into a woman’s room?
Changjiu said nothing, his gaze chilling like a specter’s.
Her smile faltered.
Then why come to the imperial city? Don’t spout nonsense of “upholding Heaven’s justice.”
I owe you no explanation. A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. I have the means to protect myself, and the means to intervene.
Hmm? Quite the bold claim.
Simply tell me the simplest story about your young mistress. I ask for no betrayal.
The simplest?
Yes. Like her name. Like what happened three years ago.
Her name? Three years ago? Anyone in the palace knew that much!
The woman froze, speechless.
Ning Changjiu grew impatient.
A golden hairpin lifted from the dressing table, shooting through the air until it hovered before her nose.
Her throat convulsed as she swallowed.
You’re testing me?
No.
He raised his hand; a deadly aura filled the room.
The woman sighed, resigned.
My name is Xiang’er. My surname is the same as Zhao’s. Three years ago…
Zhao Xiang’er.
In the silent night, she slowly began to tell the tale of that past.
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