My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 42: Go To Zezhou In Person. 

　　Early in the morning, she didn't know what the magistrate's wife wanted her for. Yun Ling put on her makeup, changed clothes, and followed the servant who came to deliver the message to the magistrate Liu's residence.

　　Upon entering the Liu Mansion, she saw two young girls, dressed in goose-yellow robes, playing together. One was sixteen years old, the other fourteen, and would be coming of age in a year. Both girls inherited their mother's features, being delicate and beautiful. Magistrate Liu and his wife had two daughters and a son. Their daughters were both exceptionally beautiful, but their son took after his father, being plump and rather robust.

　　He was a dissolute young master in this Meiyang County, known for his lack of scholarly pursuits. Fortunately, he wasn't a bad person at heart, just a bit… over-the-top, with a superficial kind of flamboyance.

　　Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Liu Dai rushed over, exclaiming, “I wondered why the garden suddenly looked so radiant and dazzling today! It turns out it's because Lady Mu has graced us with her presence!”

　　He bobbed his head back and forth, saying, “Lady Mu, with your fair skin and delicate features, are like a little fairy descended from heaven, here to purify our eyes.”

　　Yun Ling was used to his mannerisms. While she had felt embarrassed at first, she now remained unfazed, simply curtseying and saying, “Master Liu.”

　　Liu Dai immediately said, “Don't be so formal with me! Alright, although I am the most distinguished and handsome young master in Meiyang County, I'm actually quite approachable. You don't need to be nervous.”

　　Yun Ling merely nodded silently, saying nothing more.

　　Liu Dai asked again, “Lady Mu, why are you at the Liu residence so early? Could it be that you're here to see me?”

　　The servant boy beside her quickly said, “Madam has something she needs Lady Mu for.”

　　“Ah, I see.”

　　Seeing this, Yun Ling took the opportunity to say, “I shouldn't keep Madam waiting. I won't bother Master Liu any longer; I'll take my leave.”

　　“Go, go,” Liu Dai said with a smile. After Yun Ling left, watching her graceful back, Liu Dai sighed, “What a pity. Why is she a widow?”

　　The servant boy beside him said, “I also think Lady Mu is beautiful, Master, if you like…”

　　Liu Dai's fan snapped against the servant's head with a 'pap'.

　　“She's pretty, yes, but she's an older widow. I can appreciate her beauty, but that's as far as it goes.”

　　“It would be fine if it were someone else, a woman of lower status wouldn't matter, but my mother would never let me marry a widow! Do you have any sense?!”

　　The servant boy quickly said, “Yes, yes, Master. As the magistrate's son, how could you possibly marry a widow?”

　　Liu Dai scratched his head again, thinking worriedly, “But are all the maids from the Prince's Mansion so youthful-looking? Lady Mu is already twenty-five?!?”

　　Yun Ling knew Liu Dai's thoughts well enough. It was just that Liu Dai was all bluster and his words were annoying, but he wouldn't resort to physical actions. He wouldn't actually pursue her seriously.

　　Even Madam Liu wasn't worried. Otherwise, she wouldn't have summoned her to the residence.

　　Madam Liu was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing Yun Ling arrive, she quickly stood up. “Quickly bring Lady Mu a cup of milk tea.”

　　Then she said to Yun Ling, “Lady Mu, please sit. I'm truly sorry to call you over so early. I have a matter here that I'm eager to ask for your assistance with.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Madam, please speak.”

　　Madam Liu gestured to the mammy beside her to call her eldest daughter. “Come, Lan'er, call your teacher.”

　　Liu Silan obediently came forward and bowed. “Greetings, Teacher.”

　　Yun Ling immediately supported her arm. “Please rise.”

　　Looking up at Madam Liu, she asked, “Madam, please forgive my lack of understanding, but what is the meaning of this?”

　　Madam Liu had someone unroll a scroll and show it to Yun Ling. With a hint of excitement, she said, “I heard that the Prince of Linze has been widowed for two years and will be taking a new wife next year. Because it's a remarriage, he's not restricted by status; even the daughter of a minor official is acceptable. My Lan'er is very beautiful, but her etiquette is lacking in Meiyang County. I was thinking that Lady Mu, having come from a Prince's household in the capital, is surely first-rate in etiquette and courtly rules. Could you possibly teach my Lan'er? Then, when she goes to participate in the selection, she won't be lacking in decorum. Perhaps she could even make a striking impression.”

　　The Prince of Linze… Yun Ling had some recollection of this Prince.

　　The Prince of Linze, the youngest brother of the Emperor Jingning, ranked eighteenth. He had no great ambitions and was sent to Yunze at the age of sixteen, where he was granted the title of Prince of Linze. He was a leisurely prince.

　　This year... he's twenty-six. While not particularly old, Silan is only sixteen; there's quite an age gap. Is it really suitable?

　　Yun Ling pondered for a moment and gently tried to dissuade her. “Madam, do you know that the Prince of Linze is already twenty-six? Silan is still young; I'm afraid it's not appropriate…”

　　Madam Liu exclaimed in surprise, “How do you even know the Prince of Linze's age?”

　　Yun Ling paused. “I heard some things while I was in the capital.”

　　Madam Liu suddenly understood. Then she said, “Although he's twenty-six, my husband and I have considered it. The Prince of Linze is a gentle person. The fact that a prince mourned his wife for three years before arranging a remarriage shows that he's a man of feeling, especially since he doesn't yet have any children!”

　　Putting it that way, it does sound rather plausible. Besides, it's not her place to interfere in the magistrate's family affairs.

　　Silan also said, “Teacher, Silan also has this ambition.”

　　It's just that if she were to teach Silan, then what about her other things…

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment, then pushed back with a troubled expression. “Although I've stayed in the Prince's residence, I never formally taught etiquette. I'm afraid I wouldn't be a good teacher. Besides, I also have other…" 

　　Madam Liu directly grasped Yun Ling's hand, saying, “Lady Mu, don't be modest. I know you teach well.”

　　“Don't you teach those homeless children very well?”

　　Madam Liu immediately understood that Yun Ling was afraid that if she taught Silan, no one would take care of the other children. She knew that Yun Ling had set aside a room to teach some poor children who couldn't afford school.

　　Seeing Madam Liu's genuine invitation, Yun Ling pondered for a long while before finally making up her mind. “I know you're sincere, Madam, but I truly can't abandon those children. I am willing to teach Miss Silan, but I hope you will agree to one thing.”

　　Madam Liu said, “Lady Mu, please speak your mind.”

　　Yun Ling said, “Please have the Magistrate allow me to open a school, to teach children to read and write. With a school, I can hire a teacher to take over, so those children won't be neglected and I can also find time to teach Miss Silan.”

　　Now that her life is peaceful and worry-free, opening a school is her wish.

　　It's probably because of her own childhood experiences that she wants to do her best to help other children live better lives. Learning to read and write will never be a disadvantage.

　　Madam Liu hesitated. “This is probably…”

　　A woman opening a school—unheard of.

　　Yun Ling wasn't in a hurry. She spoke clearly and calmly, explaining point by point.

　　“Since I've become Miss Silan's teacher, I'm the tutor of the magistrate's daughter. What's wrong with using that status to open a school?” Yun Ling continued, “Furthermore, after His Highness the Crown Prince implemented the new policies, the conditions have been relaxed; there's no regulation prohibiting women from running schools. And after the school opens, I will hire a scholar to be a teacher as well.”

　　She had investigated. Opening a private school or a library wasn't actually difficult; all it required was hiring a scholar as a teacher. The difficulty lay in the fact that she was a woman, and therefore couldn't do it. No scholar would be willing to accept employment from a widow.

　　But with the magistrate's approval, things would be different.

　　Madam Liu exclaimed in surprise, “Lady Mu, as expected of someone who came from the Prince's residence, your insights are truly extraordinary.”

　　“In that case, I will ask my husband and then reply to Lady Mu.”

　　Yun Ling said, “Thank you, Madam. Then I shall await your good news.”

　　Leaving the Liu residence, she passed by the notice board.

　　It was completely empty.

　　The Crown Prince, in his search for her, had essentially cast a wide net. Arrest warrants had been issued throughout the country.

　　At first, she could only repeatedly disguise herself and hide, spending a long time in a remote countryside. Thankfully, Mu Dong helped her cover her tracks and evade detection. Eventually, they settled on their current identities, obtaining all the necessary documentation and certificates. Because their identities were so different from Yun Ling's, and because they altered their appearances during their escape, the wanted poster's likeness didn't resemble her current appearance. Thus, no one ever suspected their identities. By the time they reached Zezhou, a year had passed, and even the ink on the wanted posters had faded.

　　Yun Ling had her eyebrows thinned. Now, when she went out, she added beauty spots under her eyes and on either side of her nose. She meticulously adjusted her eye shape with makeup and used rouge to reshape and enhance her cheeks, making them fuller. Those who had seen Yun Ling before would have to do a double-take. It was even more difficult for those who had only seen the wanted poster once or twice, as the image wasn't very clear.

　　Yun Ling and Mu Dong had been in Zezhou for two years, and even the magistrate's wife hadn't recognized her. From now on, she could live a peaceful life. (T/N: Aww, poor baby, your mom (the author) won't let you be happy for long.😅)

　　In Zezhou, thousands of miles away, she and Xie Jue would never see each other again in this life.

　　Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she would live a peaceful life here until old age. If she found a suitable and excellent man, she would marry. If not, she and her elder sister Mu Dong would live together happily ever after.

　　Perhaps because the matter of opening the school was nearing resolution, Yun Ling was in a very good mood today. She bought some pork and beef bones on her way home, planning to add two dishes to the meal.

　　After heating the pot, Yun Ling added some oil, then put the cut meat into the pot to stir-fry until fragrant. Finally, she added salt and soy sauce, poured in hot water, and threw in a large handful of preserved mustard greens to simmer.

　　Soon, the aroma filled the entire courtyard.

　　Even Mrs. Zhang from next door smelled the fragrance and called out, “Lady Mu, you bought meat today?”

　　In Meiyang County, ordinary families only cooked meat during festivals or celebrations. On ordinary days, they would at most add a small amount of meat to their dishes; they rarely bought such large cuts of meat.

　　Mrs. Zhang, who lived next door to Yun Ling, was a lifelong resident of Meiyang County. Her younger brother worked as a constable at the county magistrate's office, and her eldest son was a merchant, so their family was relatively well-off and ate meat regularly. However, she couldn't figure out how Yun Ling cooked her meat, as it always smelled so delicious.

　　Mrs. Zhang's youngest son was only seven or eight years old. When he caught a whiff of the delicious aroma, he came bouncing over and peeked through the fence, his eyes wide with longing.

　　Children are always greedy, but Xiǎo Hǔzi was a good boy and never cried or whined for food. He just stared at Yun Ling with his big, watery eyes, melting her heart.

　　After the sauce thickened, Yun Ling lifted the lid of the pot. The braised pork with preserved mustard greens, tender and not greasy, was ready.

　　Yun Ling took a bowl and served Xiǎo Hǔzi several pieces of meat.

　　Xiǎo Hǔzi smiled sweetly and politely, “Thank you, Sister Mu.”

　　Mrs. Zhang also smiled, “You really shouldn't spoil that little rascal. All he ever thinks about is eating; he's getting so chubby!”

　　She turned around and brought out some fresh fruits from her house for Xiǎo Hǔzi to deliver.

　　The two families were neighbors and had a good relationship; they often exchanged small gifts back and forth.

　　Yun Ling accepted them with a smile. After finishing the meal, Mu Dong returned from Yunyi Workshop.

　　There was a dish of braised pork with preserved mustard greens, a bowl of ox bone soup, and a side of stir-fried greens. Mu Dong gasped, her eyes lighting up, “Today's meal is so rich!”

　　They both enjoyed their food and drink, and their lives were peaceful and stable. Both she and Yun Ling were very content. They both hoped this peaceful life would continue.

　　After they sat down to eat, Yun Ling told Mu Dong about what Madam Liu had looked for her today.

　　Mu Dong, hearing about this good opportunity, was also very happy. “I hope Magistrate Liu will agree.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Let's wait for news from Madam Liu.”

　　As soon as she finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside. Yun Ling heard Zhang Wu, Mrs. Zhang's younger brother, speaking.

　　It was quite noisy.

　　After a while, Mrs. Zhang came to talk to Yun Ling and Mu Dong, her expression shocked, her voice exaggerated. “It's unbelievable! I heard that the Prefect is selecting beauties from all over to present to the higher authorities. The magistrate said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and those who are willing can sign up at the county government office!”

　　Yun Ling frowned. What was going on in Zezhou? Why would the prefect suddenly decide to select beauties to send to the capital? And to which high-ranking official were they being sent?

　　News was rather isolated in the remote Meiyang County.

　　Mrs. Zhang said worriedly, “Lady Mu, I'm afraid you might be selected.”

　　Their sisters' beauty was quite striking in Meiyang County; if anyone deserved the title of beauty, it was these two sisters.

　　Yun Ling shook her head and said with a smile, “This selection is for young and beautiful women. My sister and I are rather old, and I'm a widow besides. Why would they choose us?”

　　Not to mention that they were among the top merchants in Meiyang County, contributing a significant amount of taxes, and Madam Liu also wanted her to tutor Silan. It was certain she wouldn't be selected.

　　Although she said that, Yun Ling didn't know how urgent the matter was. She was afraid that the higher-ups' orders were strict, and if Magistrate Liu couldn't find suitable candidates, he might lower the age requirement.

　　Then Sister Mu Dong would be in trouble.

　　Yun Ling waited at home for half a day.

　　Finally, Madam Liu sent someone to deliver a message saying that Magistrate Liu had agreed to her request.

　　Yun Ling breathed a sigh of relief.

　　Since he agreed to her request, she was now Silan's teacher. It was certain that neither she nor Mu Dong would be selected as beauties. And, she could finally open her own school!

　　……

　　A half month later…

　　For several days, heavy rain had fallen continuously. The sky was gray and overcast, the ground a muddy mess of rain-soaked earth.

　　Even so, preparations at the prefectural government office had been underway for several days, with people diligently cleaning and sweeping every day, ensuring not a single leaf remained.

　　Street vendors had all been cleared away, and any damaged areas were hastily repaired. Everything was not only spick and span but also adorned with beautiful silk ribbons. The prefectural government was in a state of high alert.

　　In front of the Zezhou Prefecture, Prefect Wu Ming, Assistant Prefect Du Tai'an, and several magistrates and county magistrates waited anxiously.

　　But it was already past noon, and the arrival was still delayed. Wu Ming was so nervous that his palms were sweating.

　　Suddenly, the faint sound of horses' hooves approached, and Wu Ming's eyes widened.

　　They're here!

　　Shortly after, a group of cavalry dismounted first, forming a protective cordon on either side of the prefecture.

　　Then, a deep, resonant neigh followed by the dismounting of a tall young man in a narrow-sleeved, dark green riding outfit.

　　Prefect Wu Ming and the others dared not raise their heads, quickly kneeling to greet him, “Your subordinate officials greet the Young Master!”

　　Six months ago, the Yunze region suffered from severe flooding. The imperial court allocated 200,000 taels of silver for disaster relief, but the money vanished without a trace as soon as it entered Yunze territory. The court sent investigators several times, all to no avail; some officials even lost their lives in the process.

　　The Crown Prince was furious and ordered Chen Zhan, the son of the Duke Chen and Dali Temple Chief Justice, to come to Yunze for a thorough investigation.

　　Zezhou was his first stop.

　　It had been rumored that this Young Master Chen had a fondness for beautiful women. To cater to his preferences, Wu Ming, upon receiving the news, had organized a selection of beauties from the various counties.

　　A cold voice, like the striking of jade, rang out from above, “Rise.”

　　“Yes.”

　　Wu Ming and the officials behind him rose to their feet. As soon as Wu Ming raised his head, he was shocked, nearly collapsing to the ground.

　　The man before them wore an embroidered golden riding outfit, tall and straight, his expression cold and severe.

　　This unparalleled aura of nobility and authority... this wasn't Chen Zhan, the son of the Duke; it was clearly His Highness, the Crown Prince!

　　The Crown Prince... had secretly come to Zezhou!

　　……

　　The Zezhou prefect had already prepared a luxurious and comfortable residence for the Crown Prince.

　　Every precious and rare item imaginable had been placed in the rooms.

　　An Zhong, traveling by carriage, hurried as fast as he could, nearly becoming carsick, finally arriving in Zezhou after two hours.

　　In the room, Wu Ming, obsequious and flattering, said, “Your Highness has graced Zezhou with your presence, a blessing for the people of Zezhou. I, on behalf of the people of Zezhou, thank Your Highness!”

　　He added, “The journey must have been tiring. I have prepared a banquet to welcome Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue, having changed into ordinary clothes, simply said, “Leave now.”

　　Wu Ming: “Yes.”

　　After Wu Ming left, An Zhong immediately stepped forward to help Xie Jue adjust his clothes, inwardly quite resentful. He thought Wu Ming, the prefect, was excessively flattering and fawning, almost stealing the spotlight from him, a high-ranking official of the East Palace. Those who don't know would think that he had also practiced in the Twelve Imperial Ministries!

　　Having just changed his clothes, Pei Yuan arrived. “Your Highness, I have discovered that before Your Highness arrived in Zezhou, the prefect had been selecting beauties and collecting a large amount of silver. It is unclear whether he intended to bribe the young master or use beauties to seduce him.”

　　“Although Your Highness has arrived, the beauties he selected are already in the back courtyard. They will likely perform at the banquet later.”

　　At first glance, the Zezhou prefect appears to be an ordinary, incompetent official. However, the disaster relief funds were lost within his jurisdiction, and even the officials investigating the matter were murdered not far from Zezhou. However, the fact that it's so obvious makes it suspicious.

　　The Crown Prince's arrival in Zezhou was not intended to go unnoticed by Wu Ming. The entire Great Jin knows that the person investigating Yunze is the Dali Temple Chief Justice, not the Crown Prince. Now, we'll see how Wu Ming behaves. Before coming to Yunze, many Jinyiwei had been secretly observing various prefectures. If anything unusual happens elsewhere in Yunze, Wu Ming cannot escape responsibility. If nothing does, then someone intends to use Wu Ming as a scapegoat.

　　Xie Jue put on his outer robe and turned around, “Then let's go see what he's up to.”

　　……

　　Inside the resplendent banquet hall, the tables overflowed with exquisite food and fine wine, a dazzling array of delicacies whose aromas filled the air.

　　Even the wine vessels were made of gold, inlaid with jewels.

　　The golden jade curtains further highlighted the extravagance.

　　Wu Ming clearly went to great lengths to please the Crown Prince.

　　As soon as Xie Jue entered and sat down, all the officials stood up and bowed, “Greetings, Young Master Chen.”

　　Because the Crown Prince was making a private visit under the guise of Young Master Chen, his true identity wasn't publicly revealed. Only Wu Ming knew the Crown Prince's true identity, so he still addressed him as Young Master Chen.

　　Xie Jue glanced at the delicacies on the table, his tone even, “Sit down.”

　　Seeing the Crown Prince seated, Wu Ming's smile widened as he eagerly flattered, “It is my honor to have Young Master Chen grace us with his presence. I shall offer you a toast, sir.”

　　Xie Jue raised his wine cup, “To all of you.”

　　The room immediately filled with responses of thanks.

　　After three rounds of drinking, Wu Ming thought to himself, the Crown Prince has rarely visited Zezhou; he must entertain him cleverly, perhaps gaining favor. All men appreciate beauty, he thought. Setting down his wine cup, he respectfully bowed, “Young Master Chen, knowing of your visit, I have specially arranged for a beautiful dance performance for your enjoyment.”

　　Xie Jue rested his hand on his forehead, then waved it dismissively, granting permission.

　　Grand Eunuch An, disguised as a servant, looked on worriedly. Yunze had a lot of rain; he feared the Crown Prince's headache might return.

　　Seeing this, Wu Ming proudly clapped his hands.

　　Immediately, a group of veiled dancing girls entered in procession, beautiful music starting up. The graceful dancers moved elegantly in the center, their sleeves fluttering, a stunning sight.

　　The music ended, and all the dancers stood in the center awaiting instructions from those seated above.

　　Wu Ming boldly called out, instructing all the dancers to raise their heads.

　　Xie Jue, initially impatient, suddenly froze.

　　Without expression, he stood and walked down, pulling down the veil of the dancer in the middle.

　　Seeing this, Wu Ming inwardly rejoiced.

　　It seemed the Crown Prince had found someone he liked!

　　But in the next instant, the Crown Prince, who had remained impassive and unemotional throughout the banquet, suddenly erupted in fury! He kicked the nearby wine table, shattering it into pieces. “Get out! All of you!”

　　The dancers immediately retreated in fear and panic.

　　Wu Ming collapsed to his knees in terror, followed swiftly by the remaining officials, all trembling.

　　No one understood the reason for the Crown Prince's sudden rage.

　　Xie Jue, his head throbbing, turned and left without a word.

　　He'd just experienced a dizzy spell.

　　It was utterly absurd.

　　An Zhong quickly followed, thinking Wu Ming was as good as dead.

　　Even he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw that dancer.

　　Those were eyes remarkably similar to those of Lady Yun.

　　Yet, with the veil removed, it was a completely different face.

　　Of course, Lady Yun couldn't possibly be here.

　　It's been three years. Lady Yun disappeared three years ago, and despite the Crown Prince issuing widespread arrest warrants, there's been no news of her.

　　In these past few years, no one in the Palace dares mention her name; a careless mention that reaches the Crown Prince's ears results in severe punishment.

　　Not only is mentioning her name forbidden, but the existence of anyone even remotely resembling her is unacceptable.

　　The Crown Prince clearly harbors intense hatred towards Lady Yun. (T/N: No, no, my dear An Zhong. It's called a lover's tantrum, a classic sign of instability. 😂)

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