Chapter 173

Chapter 173: Xiao Wu Besides, some of what Cui Lingrong said was not slander. The moment she first went to the theater and saw Xiao Wu, she understood why Madam Qin always requested Xiao Wu to perform whenever she visited the theater. Outsiders were saying ugly things. When Cui Lingrong asked Caiyue about it, Nanny Qiu said Caiyue had been ready to fight someone over it. "It was only after this old servant pleaded with her at length that she calmed down. Otherwise, you know Caiyue's temper—she would have gone and smashed up the teahouse." "This time, I've dragged her into it. Let her stay in Qiushuang Zhai for these few days and not pay attention to what outsiders say." Cui Lingrong sent Er Shun to find her younger brother. A few days later, Cui Zeyu came to visit, saying he had investigated Xiao Wu's background. "He travels with the opera troupe performing everywhere. Relying on his good looks, he's charmed quite a few women of respectable households into giving him tips, and he's overstepped his bounds twice as well." Cui Zeyu said he had already obtained evidence. "I'll handle this matter myself—no one will connect it to you, sister." "Mm. Madam Qin may simply want to enjoy the opera, but a good woman fears a persistent man. The favor she never received from the Duke of Dingguo, Xiao Wu gives her. Even if nothing happens between them, she'll soften toward him." This time, Cui Lingrong was setting a grand trap for Madam Qin. I won't trouble others unless they trouble me first. This matter—she couldn't be blamed for being ruthless. "An excellent plan, sister. Lu Zhong has never dared to touch Madam Qin because she holds leverage over him and my mother." Speaking of this, Cui Zeyu was full of contempt for Lu Zhong, so much so that he no longer even referred to him as father. "Lu Zhong doesn't dare make a move, so we'll deal with Madam Qin ourselves and let her taste what it's like to be ruined and disgraced." The Qin family now could no longer protect Madam Qin. Cui Lingrong nodded. Seeing her brother's weary expression, she asked about the Ministry of Personnel affairs. Cui Zeyu still said everything was fine. Cui Lingrong didn't believe him but didn't press further. After the two had settled their plans, Cui Zeyu took his men and cornered Xiao Wu at his residence. Xiao Wu pushed open the door to his home and saw strange men inside. Frightened, he tried to flee, but it was too late—Cui Zeyu grabbed him and dragged him back into the courtyard. "Who... who are you people?" Xiao Wu's legs gave way from fear. "I'm just an opera performer. I have no gold or silver, and I haven't offended anyone." "Is that so?" "Really!" "Two years ago, you were with an opera troupe in Yangzhou. You carried on with a woman surnamed Hu, tricking her into giving you her private savings. Then you ran off on your own, and she was drowned in a pig cage for it." Cui Zeyu listed Xiao Wu's crimes one by one. "And four years ago, you seduced the young Miss Li, eloped with her, then sold her into a brothel. Have you forgotten all this?" The advantage of holding an official position was the ease of investigating people. Especially with the backing of the Duke of Dingguo's household behind him—who wouldn't show Cui Zeyu respect? Though it hadn't been easy, Cui Zeyu had still uncovered these matters. Seeing Xiao Wu's face turn deathly pale, Cui Zeyu drew his sword and placed it against Xiao Wu's neck. "Tell me—if the Hu family and the Li family found out you're in Bianjing, do you think they'd come and tear you limb from limb?" "Who... who exactly are you people?" Xiao Wu confirmed again and again that he didn't know these men. Cui Zeyu said he didn't need to know who he was. "All you need to know is that your life is in my hands right now. If I could dig up all this, I can take your life at any moment." Xiao Wu was terrified, weeping and begging, "Gentlemen, I was young and foolish back then. Please, great men, don't hold a grudge against a petty man like me. I still have some savings—I'll give you everything. Just spare my life, please?" "I don't want your money. I only want you to do one thing for me. Do it well, and I won't bother with your sordid affairs. But if you fail, I won't just turn you over to the authorities—I'll make you a eunuch!" Cui Zeyu sheathed his sword, and Xiao Wu was so frightened he wet himself. A gust of wind swept through the courtyard. Xiao Wu asked with difficulty what the task was. "It's simple for you. I want you to seduce a woman." Cui Zeyu said. "If you can get her into your bed, that's best. If not, it doesn't matter—just make sure people know she's involved with you in some unclear way." "Brother, I don't do this kind of thing anymore. Before..." Before Xiao Wu could finish, Cui Zeyu drew his sword and slashed through Xiao Wu's crotch. Xiao Wu dared not refuse this time and nodded vigorously. Cui Zeyu then dragged him inside and gave him a thorough briefing. When he was done, Cui Zeyu left men behind to keep watch over Xiao Wu and returned to the Duke of Dingguo's residence himself. Just as he entered the estate, he ran into Madam Qin, who was also returning. The two crossed paths, and Madam Qin called out for him to stop, displeased. "Just as expected of a bastard—not a shred of manners. You see me and don't even know to pay your respects." Lu Weijie was at her side, and he too looked over. Cui Zeyu said, "If the mistress calls me a bastard, then who is my father, and who is my mother? And speaking of manners—does the mistress herself have any?" With that, he turned and left. Madam Qin was so angry her teeth itched. "Cui Zeyu, don't be so arrogant! The Duke of Dingguo's residence isn't yours yet!" But Cui Zeyu couldn't hear those words. Madam Qin stormed off with her attendants. "A person needs face like a tree needs bark, but I've had the misfortune of running into a pair of shameless siblings." The more Madam Qin spoke, the angrier she grew. She had been treating Lu Weijie somewhat better lately. "You saw that too—there's not a trace of restraint in his eyes. Jie-ge'er, I'm counting on you. Don't disappoint me." "Rest assured, Mother. Next year, I will earn you an official rank." Recently, Lu Weijie had been studying with exceptional diligence, losing a great deal of weight in the process. Madam Qin waved her hand, dismissing Lu Weijie back to his studies. Her mind was restless and troubled, so she sent someone to reserve a seat at the theater—it was the only time she could relax these days. The next day, she went to the theater and tipped Xiao Wu again. On her way back, Xiao Wu had somehow appeared beside the carriage without anyone noticing. Nanny Liu asked what the matter was. Xiao Wu glanced cautiously at Madam Qin. "Lady Duke, might I have a word with you in private?" Madam Qin hesitated, but when she saw Xiao Wu begin to cry, she told Nanny Liu to stand guard at the street corner. "You're a grown man—if you have something to say, just say it. Why are you crying?" "It's just that my heart is so heavy. You know, I have many brothers and sisters at home, and they all depend on my opera singing to survive. But a few days ago, my younger brother had his leg crushed at the docks, and my sister fell ill as well. Money is flowing out of the house like water. I... could I possibly borrow some money from you? I'd work like an ox or a horse to repay you." Xiao Wu knelt on the ground, a grown man crying with snot and tears streaming down his face. Madam Qin's sympathy was stirred. "It's only a matter of money. I'll give it to you." "You are truly a kind soul. If my elder sister were still alive, she would surely be as compassionate as you." Xiao Wu wiped his tears, and as he took the money from Madam Qin's hand, their fingers brushed unintentionally. Madam Qin said, "What nonsense are you talking, boy? I'm old enough to be your mother. Take the money and hurry off to get your brother and sister medical treatment." Xiao Wu expressed his gratitude, then pulled a peace amulet from his bosom. "I went to the temple especially to pray for this for you. It's not worth much, but it's a token of my sincerity. You're such a good person—I hope you live a long and healthy life." Madam Qin stared at the peace amulet, stunned. It had been so long since anyone had cared for her like this. For a moment, Madam Qin felt that all the money she had spent these past days was worth it. She accepted the peace amulet. Xiao Wu didn't press further. He knew how to break down the defenses of a neglected wife trapped in her chambers—only through repeated gestures of care and thoughtfulness could he make them lower their guard. Watching Xiao Wu walk away, Nanny Liu returned and saw the peace amulet in her mistress's hand. She sighed, "That boy—he knows how to be grateful." "Yes, it's a pity." Madam Qin didn't explain what the pity was. She clutched the peace amulet as she boarded the carriage, and on the way home, she couldn't help but think of the early days of her marriage to Lu Zhong, when she had received such care then too. When did it all change? Madam Qin's eyes turned suddenly fierce. It was all Lu Zhong's and that slut's fault—they were the ones who had destroyed her perfect life! Madam Qin felt no guilt for what she had done. She hated Lu Zhong, and she hated Cui Zeyu. She wanted them dead with no place to be buried! "Nanny Liu, didn't County Princess Rongjia say that Song Shulan has always wanted to build good relations with the Duke of Dingguo's household? Send Song Shulan an invitation to attend Jie-ge'er's birthday banquet in a few days." Madam Qin said.