Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Xia Ximo’s gaze lingered on Ren Fengjue’s retreating figure for a moment.
Then, she lowered her eyes to the Lotus Lamp in her hand. One of the lotus petals trembled slightly, and a white halo flashed before vanishing instantly.
Lantern Spirit Wuyou’s voice suddenly rang in her ear. “That was terrifying! If that man hadn’t been able to save you, you’d be reporting to the Nine Netherworld right now!”
“Did you never consider the consequences of having your soul scattered?”
Xia Ximo remained indifferent. From her expression, she didn’t seem to care about the prospect of her soul being extinguished at all.
“…”
Wuyou choked on its words, unable to help but wonder if the Underworld had chosen such a Soul Ferryman simply to punish it…
“Zhuyan’s three souls have returned to their places. You should go deliver her remains and send her on her way.”
Hearing this, Xia Ximo finally responded, “I know.”
Standing nearby, Yu Lang couldn’t help but look at her. “Is Miss Xia speaking to me?” he asked, confused.
“No.”
After giving him a brief reply, Xia Ximo turned and headed in the opposite direction of Ren Fengjue.
Yu Lang actually had many questions left to ask, but seeing her walk away so quickly, he stood dazed for a moment.
He thought to himself that, at certain times, these two shared a startlingly similar temperament.
Around the hour of Chen, constables from the local yamen arrived at the scene, cooperating with Yu Lang to wrap up the case.
Because Ren Fengjue was overseeing the matter, a case that would normally take ten days to a fortnight to reach a verdict was concluded in a mere half-day.
The case of the painter Zhuyan’s wrongful death was officially closed, with the culprit identified as Ren Dongxing, the young master of the Brocade Garment Manor.
Once the details of the case were made public, the town was in an uproar, and for a time, everyone was talking about it.
Some praised the outcome, noting that Ren Dongxing had spent years acting like a local tyrant by leaning on the influence of the Renxuan Marquis Manor, only to finally fall at the hands of the Marquis Mansion itself.
The Young Marquis, Ren Fengjue, was indeed as impartial as they said; the title of “Living Yama” was truly well-deserved.
Others, however, were skeptical. The victim had been dead for over a year and the murderer was already dead as well-what was the point of dredging up the case now? What kind of hidden agenda did they have?
He was a kinsman of the same clan, after all. Could they not have shown even a little bit of mercy for the sake of their shared bloodline?
At dusk, on the way back to the manor, Ren Fengjue remained expressionless as he listened to the occasional bits of gossip drifting in from outside the carriage.
Yu Lang, sitting beside him, looked as though he wanted to jump out of the carriage and argue with them.
“These people really know how to pick nits. We spent the entire night dealing with this case, and in their mouths, it becomes some kind of ulterior motive?”
“Don’t they stop to think? If something like this happened to them one day and no one stood up to right their wrongs, how would they feel then?”
“So short-sighted, only interested in wagging their tongues!”
Hearing this, Ren Fengjue chuckled. “Since ancient times, officials have always had to show forbearance toward the common people. They can only see one side of many things, so it’s inevitable that their views are biased. Why stoop to their level?”
“Besides, the credit for this case doesn’t belong to me. Vice Minister Yu is the one who truly worked hard.”
Naturally pleased by Lord Ren’s praise, Yu Lang leaned back lazily against the carriage wall and replied, “It wasn’t that hard. On the contrary, I’ve certainly broadened my horizons.”
“I never used to believe in talk of ghosts and spirits, but now, I think there might really be something to it.”
Ren Fengjue didn’t want to pursue that topic, so he deliberately lifted the carriage curtain to admire the street scenery.
Seeing that he wouldn’t take the bait, Yu Lang knew it was a lost cause. Given Lord Ren’s personality, if he didn’t want to talk about something, one wouldn’t get an answer even if they prodded him to the ends of the earth.
Of course, he was also tactful. He immediately shifted his tone and steered the conversation back to Xia Ximo.
“There’s one more thing I wanted to ask back at the Clothing Manor.”
“How exactly did Miss Xia know about Zhuyan’s situation?”
“The person has been dead for a year, yet she only just arrived in the capital. How could she be so well-informed?”
At the mention of Xia Ximo, Ren Fengjue’s gaze flickered slightly, a subtle sensation stirring in his heart.
He admitted frankly, “That is also what I find baffling. Perhaps that woman truly possesses some extraordinary qualities.”
Regarding Lord Ren’s meaningful remark, Yu Lang couldn’t help but tease, “I don’t know if she has extraordinary qualities, but I doubt you’ll find a second woman in this capital with her level of courage.”
“All in all, she is quite a match for you.”
“…”
–
As the skeletal remains on the ground crumbled into dust, the Soul-Ferrying Lantern in Xia Ximo’s hand gave a slight tremor.
A speck of fluorescent light drifted around the thirty-two lotus petals before finally dissipating at the wick.
This symbolized that a soul who had died a wrongful death had finally entered the Yellow Springs, heading toward the Netherworld.
At this, a trace of emotion finally touched the depths of Xia Ximo’s otherwise calm, pool-like eyes.
Upon returning to the Ren Residence, there was an additional maid in the East Courtyard Guest Room. She was someone Ren Fengjue had specifically transferred from the Marquis Mansion to serve her personally.
“This servant’s name is Tianqing. I grew up in the Marquis Mansion. While the Young Marquis was residing at the estate, I was always in charge of his clothing, food, and daily life.”
“The Young Marquis instructed that I am to be responsible for your needs from now on, Miss. If you have any requirements, you may command me.”
Xia Ximo glanced at the person before her.
The girl wore a light green padded jacket, her hair styled in a simple and neat bun. Her face was plain, but her eyes were exceptionally bright and spirited.
It was clear she was a capable servant.
However…
“I don’t need anyone to serve me.”
Xia Ximo walked right past her. “Ren Fengjue should know that I am only staying for a few days.”
Hearing her address the Young Marquis by his full name, a flash of surprise crossed Tianqing’s eyes.
But she quickly regained her composure and replied graciously, “It matters not. If you stay for one day, Miss, I shall serve you for one day.”
Xia Ximo was about to continue her refusal when her gaze swept across the room, which was now filled with items.
In addition to clothes and jewelry, various rouges, powders, and other feminine necessities had been added. It was exhaustive and meticulous.
Tianqing explained, “These are all items I prepared according to the daily needs of noble ladies in the capital. The clothes are from Brocade Garment Manor, the jewelry sets are from Cuihua Hall, and the rouges and powders are from Tianxiang Pavilion…”
“…”
Just hearing the names of these items made Xia Ximo grow impatient. She uttered a single word: “Troublesome.”
“It is no trouble at all.”
Tianqing remained standing to the side with her head bowed, replying respectfully, “You only need to voice your thoughts, Miss, and I will handle everything.”
Hearing this, Xia Ximo stopped responding. She found an empty chair, sat down, and began to rest with her eyes closed.
Seeing this, Tianqing took it as silent permission. She immediately rolled up her sleeves and began to tidy up quietly.
As someone from the Marquis Mansion, she was not only well-versed in etiquette but also quick and efficient. Before long, she had properly arranged all the items.
Thus, when Xia Ximo opened her eyes again, the once empty guest room had been completely transformed. Although there were many items, it did not look cluttered or cramped; instead, it felt very comfortable.
Tianqing lit the candle lamp and walked over to Xia Ximo with proper decorum. “Miss Xia, the basic arrangement is complete. We can add more later according to your preferences, such as incense burners, hanging scrolls, calling cards, or perhaps jade ornaments…”
Xia Ximo, however, looked entirely indifferent. “Do as you see fit. You don’t need to ask me.”