Моя жена перелезает через стену

Глава 4

After Bao Zheng and his two companions left the private room, it quieted down. Li Yuxuan and the other two reported to Ouyang Xiu about the past few days. Ouyang Xiu also taught them some things about connections and social etiquette in the capital. They chatted until evening before parting ways.

The three of them saw Ouyang Xiu off into his sedan chair before heading together to the inn where Li Yuxuan was staying.

Looking at the shadows of the three of them in the setting sun, Li Yuxuan had a sudden thought: "Brothers, we passed the imperial examination in the same year and are of similar age. It's fate that we're here. Why don't we swear brotherhood like the Peach Garden Oath and become sworn brothers?"

Although Su Shi was somewhat arrogant, he was also a man of strong character and immediately replied, "Good!"

Seeing that Xu Qingzhi remained silent for a long time, Li Yuxuan asked, "Brother Xu, are you unwilling?"

"No, how could that be!" Xu Qingzhi quickly shook his head: "It's just that my family is poor, and I'm afraid I'm not good enough for you two gentlemen."

Li Yuxuan retorted angrily, "So you look down on the two of us?"

“Brother Li! You know that’s not what I meant. Alright, since you two gentlemen don’t mind, Duanzheng (Xu Qingzhi’s courtesy name) will respectfully accept your offer.”

"Hahahaha!" Li Yuxuan burst into laughter, a typical smug look on her face. She couldn't help but be happy; Su Shi, she'd managed to make him her sworn brother. This made her even more smug than if she had become the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations.

She grabbed their hands and ran quickly toward the inn, striking while the iron was hot, not wanting the two of them to regret it.

Back at the inn, under Li Yuxuan's arrangement, the three of them swore an oath of brotherhood in her room, burning joss paper. Xu Qingzhi, the eldest at twenty-two, was the eldest brother; Su Shi, the same age as Li Yuxuan but a few months older, was the second eldest brother; and Li Yuxuan was the youngest.

After exchanging greetings again, Su Shi said, "Brothers, I must head back now. My wife must be getting impatient with my absence after a day's absence." Li Yuxuan chuckled, "Second brother, when will you take us to meet your wife?"

"Definitely!" Su Shi left for a while, and Xu Qingzhi also left. Li Yuxuan began to consider her first day reporting to the Dali Temple tomorrow. She knew that the Dali Temple was in charge of handling criminal cases, somewhat like the Supreme Court before her time travel. This was the place she had always wanted to come, but now that she was actually going, she felt a little uneasy. It was her first day as an official, and she felt somewhat uncertain.

The next day, after attending court, he went with Su Shi to the Dali Temple. Their superior, the Dali Temple Minister, was also surnamed Li. Although he was not tall, his face looked as serious as Bao Zheng on the stage.

He had met the real Bao Zheng before, but he looked like a grumpy old man from next door.

When their colleagues saw them reporting, they inevitably asked them to treat them to a meal. Li Yuxuan and Su Shi spent the day having fun with them.

She officially started work on the second day. She was in charge of managing the cases reported from Jiangnan, while Su Shi was in charge of the Xijing area. Changzhou was within Su Shi's jurisdiction.

Their work was relatively easy. The cases that could be sent to the Dali Temple were either those that the prefectural government couldn't handle, or those that were earth-shattering cases that had shaken the capital and had to be reported to the imperial court and the emperor. Generally speaking, prefectural governments would rather kill a thousand innocent people than have their subordinates' troubles reach the emperor's ears and ruin their careers.

In the morning, Li Yuxuan reviewed the previous case files and studied the case-handling approach. In the afternoon, he went to chat with Su Shi.

The two chatted about astronomy, geography, and classical Chinese literature. Then, Li Yuxuan smoothly steered the conversation to a case that had remained unsolved for several years. As the biggest tragedy five years ago, the two found information about the massacre of Prefect Li's entire family in the archives.

Li Yuxuan took out the documents and pretended to be surprised, asking, "How come cases like the massacre of high-ranking officials have all become unsolved mysteries?"

Su Shi's curiosity was piqued, and the two began to study the case carefully.

The front page of the case file reads: "The Li family was a prominent clan for generations, originally from Luoyang. The prefect of Changzhou was killed in the fifth year of the Huangyou reign (1498), and the entire family perished." Following this is a large stack of investigation records related to this case.

Li Yuxuan knew that the reason no one survived was because of the fire she set. When she woke up from the pool of blood, she heard the story of Yinzi, who had escaped the fire because she went out to the street. Although she was panicked and confused, she still had some rationality and analytical ability after being influenced by communist education for more than ten years. So that night, she took Yinzi and searched the Li mansion for all the valuable things that could be taken away, and then set fire to the entire Changzhou government office.

On their escape, they saw the fire burning half of Changzhou's sky.

The only thing she knew about the case was the bright red "王" (king) character that Prefect Li had pressed in his palm before he died.

At the end of the case file, someone had drawn a large question mark with a pen, next to which was the neatly written character "王" (Wang), and then nothing more.

Throughout the entire case file, no suspect with the surname Wang appeared.

This case became a dead case and was shelved in the archives.

It is clear that Su Shi also showed great interest in this case, as can be seen from his excited expression.

Li Yuxuan looked at the case file and pondered, "Second Brother, why is it that such a big case can't be found even a single clue? Besides, this file also contains the investigation records of Kaifeng Prefecture. Why can't even Brother Zhan find anything?"

Su Shi closed the file and pondered for a moment: "I think there's more to this than meets the eye. Even Brother Zhan doesn't dare to investigate any further."

graft

Upon hearing this, both of them fell silent.

What secrets lie behind this case? Why did even Judge Bao and Zhan Zhao dare not investigate further? What were they afraid of?

Could it be that the Emperor did it?

After thinking it over, Li Yuxuan shook his head. That was impossible. If the emperor wanted to kill a minister, he could simply fabricate a crime and kill him; there was no need to resort to such despicable assassination methods. Besides, this was a peaceful and prosperous era, with no national or personal grudges, no life-or-death struggles.

She decided to go find Zhan Zhao first and try to get some information out of him.

She picked up the case file: "Second brother, I'm quite interested in this case. I'll take it to my side and study it carefully."

Su Shi nodded: "Don't let anyone see it."

Li Yuxuan smiled and said, "Thank you, Second Brother! Don't worry, I will definitely share any discoveries I make with you."

She had already learned quite a bit about the Li family from the maid, Yinzi. Prefect Li was an honest man with no enemies. His only wife, Madam Xiao, was someone her husband had married on his way to the imperial examinations, and her family background was unknown. Her life was saved because Madam Xiao had taken the fatal blow for her. As for why she had transmigrated, only heaven knew the answer.

In the evening, Yinzi came to pick her up and told her that they had moved to the courtyard bestowed by the Emperor in Xizi Hutong. In the afternoon, they had also bought two boys and two girls from the slave trader. Yinzi was overjoyed: "Young Master, you have no idea how big this courtyard the Emperor bestowed upon us is. It's as big as the courtyard we lived in when we were in Changzhou."

Looking at Yinzi's beaming face, Li Yuxuan noticed that the little girl who had always been by her side had grown into a dazzling flower bud. With a thought, he smiled and said, "Yinzi, you've been managing everything inside and outside all these years. Thank you for your hard work."

Yinzi blushed: "What are you saying, young lady!"

"Shh!"

The two returned to the courtyard and found that it was fully equipped with all the necessities for daily life. The Song Dynasty was famous for its wealth, especially during the reign of Emperor Renzong. During this period, officials in the capital could receive a house as a gift from the court. If they were not satisfied, they could build their own. However, the government-provided house would be taken back by the government.

Li Yuxuan sighed deeply at the extravagance of Song Dynasty officials, then pulled Yinzi into the bedroom. "Yinzi, I need your help with something!"

Seeing Li Yuxuan's serious expression, Yinzi asked with some concern, "Miss, has something happened?"

"Tch, you're the one who got into trouble! Your daughter is so smart and quick-witted, she knows how to get along with everyone, how could she possibly get into trouble?" Li Yuxuan casually picked up a book and tapped Yinzi on the head: "You can't say such pointless things anymore!"

"What's the big deal? Why are you making such a fuss!" Yinzi rubbed her head and rolled her eyes at her.

Li Yuxuan chuckled: "It's nothing big, I just want you to be my wife."

"Huh?—" Yinzi's mouth dropped open at the sound, but Li Yuxuan quickly covered it, saying, "Don't yell. She's just a fake wife. This way, no one will suspect my identity, and no one will be eyeing this eligible bachelor anymore. You understand?"

Yinzi breathed a sigh of relief: "I understand."

Li Yuxuan nodded approvingly at her. It was quite an achievement that she had kept up with her thoughts and speech for the past five years. She looked around the newly tidied room: "Where's our savings? Where did you put them?"

Yinzi pointed to the cabinet behind her: "They're all locked inside."

"Alright, Yinzi, tomorrow you'll have someone renovate this house. Combine the two rooms on either side, making them accessible only through this room. Of these three rooms, make two connected bedrooms and one study. This one will become the study, understand?"

Yinzi nodded: "I understand! But, miss, why is that?"

“This is because…” Li Yuxuan laughed loudly: “I said I want to marry you! After you do this tomorrow, go live outside for ten days and come back. When you come back, you must hire a sedan chair, wear women’s clothing, and dress up beautifully to be my betrothed since childhood. Hahahaha.”

Yinzi looked at her uncertainly: "Will this work?"

"If I say it's okay, then it's okay. Just do as I say, and I'll take care of the rest."

“Miss…” Yinzi’s eyes reddened: “I am not in trouble, it was the master and madam who saved me and adopted me. I will do whatever you ask me to do, but this is too hard on you.”

"Silly girl, what are you saying?" Li Yuxuan affectionately patted the girl's head. "I'm enjoying my life right now. Didn't I tell you? Staying at home as a pampered young lady is nothing compared to this freedom, joy, and carefree life!" She was a modern 21st-century woman accustomed to a life of freedom. This life of dressing as a man, though risky, was also incredibly exciting, perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit.

Yinzi rubbed her eyes and smiled, "I understand, miss, I know what to do."

The two discussed some details that needed attention before Yinzi went back to her room to sleep.

The next day, Li Yuxuan returned home and found that the house had been renovated according to his wishes. Yinzi had given all the instructions and, in front of the servants he had bought the day before, asked Li Yuxuan for leave to go home. He said that his elderly father was seriously ill and had sent someone with a message urging him to return home immediately.

Li Yuxuan handed him twenty taels of silver: "Alright, filial piety comes first. Go back and take good care of your father before you come back."

Yinzi bid him farewell and left in the sunset with a small bundle packed in her hand.

Li Yuxuan looked at the four servants standing under the eaves and asked the two young servants, "What are your names? Do you know your jobs?"

The tall servant replied, "My name is Zhuzi. The money for the work has already been arranged by the elder brother, so you don't need to worry about it. Just tell me what you need to do."

"I have only one order: no one is allowed to enter my room unless I call them in! Understand?"

"Know!"

Li Yuxuan listened with satisfaction to the unanimous replies, nodded, and walked towards the room: "Bring dinner to my room later."

Li Yuxuan was organizing files and reviewing cases at the Dali Temple. Ten days passed quickly. When he returned home that day, he specially invited Xu Qingzhi along.

The two were drinking under the flowering trees in the courtyard when a servant came to report: "A sedan chair has stopped at the courtyard gate and has specifically asked for you, sir, to go and greet it."

"Hmm?" Li Yuxuan and Xu Qingzhi exchanged a glance. "Who could it be?"

Li Yuxuan smiled and said, "Brother, please wait a moment, I'll be right back."

A moment later, Li Yuxuan led in a young woman and two servants. Li Yuxuan had a maid lead the young woman into the room first, and then rewarded the two servants. He then apologized to Xu Qingzhi, saying, "Brother, I have some things to attend to today, so I won't keep you any longer. Next time you're hosting a dinner, you can punish me however you like."

Xu Qingzhi was puzzled when he saw Li Yuxuan invite the young woman into the house. He asked, "Third brother, what's going on?"

Li Yuxuan gave a wry smile: "This is the fiancée I mentioned. Something happened in her family, so they sent her here with me."

"Is that so?" Xu Qingzhi stood up. "Then I won't disturb Third Brother's reunion with his sweetheart. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

After seeing Xu Qingzhi off, Li Yuxuan let out a long sigh of relief. "Brother, I'm sorry, I had to use you this time." Recalling the way Yinzi's eyes had blinked wildly when she saw him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of smug satisfaction. "A brilliant plan! From now on, I can have my way with both men and women, and the world will be mine!"

Smooth sailing

Upon entering the guest room, Li Yuxuan saw Yinzi sitting properly on a stool, wearing a light blue, wide-sleeved long dress with a silver shawl embroidered with large, matching flowers, and two jade hairpins in her hair. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were like autumn water. Although she couldn't be described as a beauty of unparalleled grace, she was certainly a charming young lady. She hadn't expected that after five years of disguise as a man, this girl would have grown so beautiful.

She waved away the maid beside her and closed the door. Yinzi stood up and called out, "Miss!"

She couldn't help but laugh. She wanted to burst out laughing, but fearing that others might hear her, she covered her mouth and said with a smile, "You call yourself a girl? From now on, call me husband!" She walked over and circled around the silver. "Your looks are barely good enough for your husband. You won't embarrass me. I've been thinking these past few days that if Liang Hong marries a Meng Guang woman, then it's all over."

"Girl!" Yinzi glared at her, disapprovingly. "At a time like this, you still can't behave yourself. My fiancée is here, but how are you going to introduce her to others? Besides, I can't just stay here without any explanation!"

Li Yuxuan walked over and sat down: "I've already thought this out. From now on, your name will be Zhang Yinhong. I'm used to calling you that, so I'll still call you Yinzi. Tell everyone that your parents died suddenly, and you couldn't bear the abuse from your older brother and sister-in-law. Knowing that I became a top scholar, you came here. As for what happens next, I naturally have a series of ingenious plans. Just wait and see."

"Yes!" Yinzi knew that she was resourceful and nodded obediently: "I will do whatever you say, Miss."

The next day after court, Xu Qingzhi approached Li Yuxuan and whispered, "Was that woman from yesterday really my third brother's fiancée?"

“Yes!” Li Yuxuan looked at him in surprise: “Does Brother not believe me?” “No.” Xu Qingzhi’s face turned red again: “I just can’t believe it. Sister-in-law is truly a heroine. A woman came here alone.”

"Sigh!" Li Yuxuan sighed heavily. "We are in the same boat. She has lost her parents and was abused by her brother and sister-in-law, so she had no choice but to come to me."

Seeing the two of them whispering to each other, Su Shi came over and asked, "What are you talking about?" Li Yuxuan deliberately made a face and pretended to be at a loss, saying, "Second brother, I'm really anxious and worried. It's good that you're here to give me some advice."

"What happened?"

Li Yuxuan then recounted the story he had made up, and at the end asked, "You all say we're not married yet, so what's the point of her living at my place?"

Su Shi thought for a moment and said, "That's simple, you two just get married."