Chapter 163

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Protagonist:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

The day Shaowei reunited with Qingwu, the Emperor had already declared his intent to send the Fox Spirit out of the city to dispel the plague, and an imperial edict was delivered to the Shrine the following day.

This was the duty of the Great Witch Gods of all ages, with no possibility of refusal. Those in the Shrine prepared for three days, and once everything was ready, the Fox Spirit set out this morning with eighty witches.

The witchcraft team left the Shrine and headed toward the city gate, with the Imperial Guard clearing the way ahead, while the Fox Spirit rode slowly in her carriage. The tall summer carriage had veils on all sides, so no one could see the face of the Great Witch God inside, but this did not stop many commoners along the road from saluting and worshipping, expressing their reverence and praying for deliverance from disaster.

After the Changling Grand Sacrifice, the Fox Spirit was appointed Great Witch God, but she only traveled back and forth between the Shrine and the Imperial streamer, busy with her own private affairs, and had never experienced such a grand procession.

Suddenly being treated this way by the commoners, Shaowei inside the tall carriage felt even more that she was deceiving others. She could not communicate with the gods of heaven and earth, let alone bestow blessings or dispel disasters. If she truly had divine power, she would first call the wind to lift those people's knees, then conjure ropes to bind them straight, forbidding them to kneel and worship recklessly.

She had never thought of that grand and distant tale of saving the world; from beginning to end, she only wanted to save one person. The expectations projected by these commoners made her feel ashamed and irritable.

Ever since learning that Jiang Fu was Baili Youyi, Shaowei had been avoiding one thing in her heart: Baili Youyi's prophecy of heavenly secrets.

Baili Youyi left behind a prophecy, then fled, returning to being Jiang Fu, finding her and giving her a thorough beating—truly raising her with great care. Meanwhile, Ming Dan was chosen to enter Xian Tai Gong because she took over Shaowei's Eight Characters of Birth, and the household slaves had long said she was the person chosen by Jiang Fu...

All these things made the answer obvious: she was most likely that so-called heavenly secret.

But she had never thought of becoming any heavenly secret, and moreover, once she admitted it, she would inevitably have to recognize Mother. How could she recognize Mother? Mother would not acknowledge her; if she forced the recognition, it would be neither honorable nor harmless, but would hurt both others and herself, leaving both Mother and her covered in wounds.

In short, being this heavenly secret brought a hundred harms and no benefit, far from what she sought. She had no great cause, did not want to be involved, and only wanted to leave this land of evil mountains and wicked waters as soon as possible.

Shaowei secretly covered her ears, no longer listening to the commoners' pleas.

She had no experience in saving the world; she might not even be able to save herself.

The Shrine team that did not need inspection slowly exited through the city gate passage, and the view suddenly became expansive, with sunlight from all directions instantly surrounding them, squeezing through the carriage veil gaps into the carriage like one thin, sharp sword blade after another, surrounding the girl inside.

Shaowei's sharp gaze looked ahead.

She had once used Shunzhen's exit from the city to capture him; now that she had left this city gate, who knew she would not be captured by others? Besides, someone was using this opportunity to order her to capture others.

The carriage wheels had rolled into the hunting ground, and the wind carrying heat seemed like an unknown fierce beast panting by her ear. Shaowei looked straight ahead, her eyes showing no sign of retreat or fear, but instead a lofty fighting spirit rising before danger arrived. If there was danger, it was also an opportunity. Having come this far, she must break through and strike down Chi Yang in one blow.

The fox with lofty fighting spirit was already sharpening its claws, but what she saw in her sight caused her to show an unexpected expression, and she subconsciously wanted to hide.

By the side of the wide official road, there was a striking group of people and horses. Beside a spacious carriage stood an old man with a lofty bearing—it was Marquis Lu.

If it were only Marquis Lu, it would not have caused Shaowei such a reaction. She had learned yesterday from the Spider Woman that Lady Shentu and Marquis Lu intended to take Feng Zhu to Henei Jun, and had specifically instructed the Spider Woman, the Needle Master, to inform her of this, so there was no need to visit for diagnosis in the near future.

Although Shaowei knew this, she did not expect to encounter them so coincidentally.

Marquis Lu was wearing common attire. Shaowei quickly withdrew her gaze, pretending not to have recognized him.

However, this meeting was not a coincidence. Marquis Lu had been waiting here specifically. He sent people forward to say a few words to the leading Imperial Guard.

Marquis Lu had his own status and prestige. This time, the Feng family had donated grain and goods for the drought disaster, so the Imperial Guard had no reason not to be respectful. They very cooperatively ordered the team to stop.

Soon after, Lady Shentu was helped out of the carriage by servants, and Marquis Lu held her hand. The couple walked over together.

Shaowei had nowhere to hide and felt her hair stand on end. She wished she could jump off the carriage and flee. As for the rest, it was bearable. What she feared most was startling Mother in the carriage not far away. If she caused Mother to be frightened and go mad, resulting in both being hurt in public, she truly did not know how to resolve the situation.

Seeing no movement from the person in the carriage, Yu Si Wu had already walked to the carriage side: "Tai Puzhe, Marquis Lu and Lady Shentu wish to invite Tai Puzhe to alight for a chat."

Delaying further would only seem more strange. Shaowei had no choice but to alight, but she only stood by the carriage without actively stepping forward, even if it seemed rude and reckless. She had to hold tightly to this carriage that barely blocked the line of sight.

Marquis Lu did not seem to mind. He supported Lady Shentu as they approached. Shaowei raised her hand to salute and lowered her brows and eyes: "This official pays respects to Marquis Lu, Madam."

Lady Shentu smiled, while Marquis Lu looked at the girl before him dressed in deep green witchcraft attire and said: "Speaking truthfully, this is the first time this old man has seen Tai Puzhe's true face."

Previously, either they were too far apart to notice, or there was a mask covering. But now, seeing her up close, there was actually no sense of strangeness.

It was just that this young witch priest kept her eyes lowered, and now she only asked: "Indeed. I do not know what instructions Marquis Lu has?"

"Not instructions." Lady Shentu smiled and spoke: "Knowing that Tai Puzhe would leave the city today, it was I who had him wait here, only to thank Tai Puzhe in person."

As Lady Shentu spoke, she reached out and slowly groped forward. Shaowei subconsciously retreated a step, but the old man released her husband and walked toward her. With an eye ailment, Shaowei dared not retreat a second step, and the other party grasped her arm.

The aged hand slid from her arm to grasp the girl's palm. Immediately after, the old man's other hand covered it as well.

It was the touch of close blood relatives, the first occurrence between two lives and deaths, but this kind old man did not know it.

Shaowei stood stiffly, not knowing how to respond. She could only put on an appearance of utmost calm, even showing a hint of coldness.

Lady Shentu's voice was kind and gentle: "Good child, that Needle Master you introduced has extraordinary needle skills and does his utmost. He has been of great help... My daughter and I are going to the Xiwangmu Temple in Henei Jun to thank the gods. My child is afraid of meeting people; you must have heard of it. When we return to the Capital, if she improves a bit, I will bring her personally to thank you."

Shaowei: "A trivial matter. I dare not trouble Madam and the Young Miss to offer thanks."

"The one to be thanked..." Lady Shentu smiled and patted Shaowei's hand: "I have heard that Tai Puzhe's Nuo Dance is unparalleled in the world, possessing the aura of spirits. If there is no chance to behold it, would it not be a great regret?"

Shaowei could only remain silent. If her Nuo Dance truly possessed the aura of spirits, she would dance and pray for Mother day and night without rest. In that case, perhaps she could also redeem her sins.

Lady Shentu wanted to say more, but urging shouts came from the roadside: "Mother, Father, let's set off quickly!"

Shaowei's mind shook. She once again suppressed the impulse to flee. Fortunately, she had the foresight to use the carriage as a barrier.

On the other side, Feng Zhu, who was pushing the carriage window to urge them, was soon comforted by Pei An: "Young Miss, do not be anxious. This servant will go to invite her. Please sit quietly."

"Look at how anxious she is." Marquis Lu turned his head and smiled, every wrinkle on his face filled with doting. He then turned to support his wife: "Let's go. We must not delay Jiang Tai Zhu in his duties. We can talk in detail after returning to the Capital."

Lady Shentu nodded with a smile. Finally, she lightly held the girl's palm and said in a low voice: "You, child, are alone in the Capital. If you have any difficulties in the future, you can tell me."

Marquis Lu was surprised in his heart. His wife was kind, but she had always valued propriety. Forming a karmic connection was one thing; how could she so easily make such a close promise?

Shaowei stood stunned in her heart. She said, "Thank you, Madam," withdrew her hand, saluted, and bade farewell.

Marquis Lu supported Lady Shentu as they left. After walking a distance, Shaowei finally raised her eyes. Her gaze passed over the two elders and looked toward that carriage. Though she felt immense relief in her heart, there was also a faint sense of loss mixed with great conflict.

This journey was step by step dangerous. Though they had not met yet, it could still be the last time she saw Mother.

This bond, like blood ties that could not be severed, made Shaowei look down on herself. She despised herself and forcibly severed all thoughts, turning to board the carriage.

"Who is Mother going to see?" Inside the carriage, Feng Zhu grabbed her mother's hand.

Lady Shentu smiled and replied: "A noble person, and still a child."

"A child..." Feng Zhu murmured in response, her attention shifting again. She looked at her mother's hand, which she was holding: "Mother, why has your hand become so cold?"

Lady Shentu seemed lost in thought, speaking slowly: "That's a child with something on her mind; it makes one feel a pang of pity."

Marquis Lu realized, no wonder his wife had suddenly grown close to Zhu'er—it was rare for her to be so sentimental, but something on her mind?

He smiled: "That girl has a bit of spirit; how did I not see that she had something on her mind?"

Lady Shentu: "Though I am blind in both eyes, I see more clearly than you."

Marquis Lu did not deny this; since their daughter returned, his wife's spirits had improved, and the reason he went out this time was because his wife had a suspicion...

Marquis Lu's smile faded, and he turned to look at his daughter, while Lady Shentu asked again: "Zhu'er, do you truly wish to go worship Xiwangmu again? Have you decided?"

As this question was asked, Feng Zhu grabbed her mother's hand and inexplicably clenched it tight; she grew tense, her breathing uneven, yet she still nodded carefully: "I want to go."

After speaking, she felt a surge of panic and threw herself into her mother's arms.

Lady Shentu patted her daughter's back, tears welling in her lifeless eyes: "Good, worthy of being a child of my Shentu family... Mother's Doudou, the most chaste child in this world."

Chaste means supreme steadfastness; even if trapped in a demon's den, she never thought of giving up her life.

Pure means a cleansed soul spirit; no matter how many trials, they cannot stain that clear soul, always struggling to wake from chaos. Thus, once she improved slightly, she kept repeating that she wanted to go once more; though extremely fearful, she had to retrieve the soul left in the demon's den, or perhaps other treasures.

"Then we will walk that road from back then again." Lady Shentu's voice was not heavy, her expression solemn: "Doudou, this time Mother is with you; do not fear."

Feng Zhu closed her eyes and hugged her mother, nodding without stopping; yes, with Mother here she was not afraid, with Mother here she was not afraid...

She repeated it quickly in her heart again and again; not knowing what she thought of, she suddenly opened her eyes. Inside the carriage were her mother, father, and maidservants, yet it felt inexplicably empty, her heart also empty, and she spoke incoherently and urgently: "Mother, hurry, hurry a little more..."

Lady Shentu responded verbally, slowly patting and coaxing her daughter.

A fork in the road appeared ahead; two groups of carriages and horses went separate ways, gradually growing distant.

A pebble struck the wheel, and the figure inside the carriage swayed slightly with the carriage body.

Shaowei inside the carriage kept her gaze fixed forward until they reached their lodging.

To ensure official command and disaster response, the court officials handling disaster relief held daily meetings at the County Office outside the city; the manors around the County Office were requisitioned for lodging, work, and storing grain and medicine.

The Shen Ci group arrived; Tai Puzhe Hua Li should naturally first go pay respects to the Sixth Prince Liu Qi, who was in charge of this matter and was now undoubtedly the local tyrant.

But this tyrant had gone out with officials to inspect affairs before dawn and was not in the office at this moment.

Shaowei first met with the other officials and went to see the temporary medicine storehouse; what was stored there was mostly mugwort and atractylodes, as well as bupleurum for reducing fever, and the quantity could be considered sufficient.

Shaowei felt relieved but said nothing; instead, she asked the Taiyi Shu personnel about the current condition of the plague-stricken commoners.

The few people from Taiyi Shu all wore worried expressions.

The symptoms of this plague were mostly not severe; if treated in time, the chance of recovery was extremely high. That Sixth Prince imitated measures the Ling Empress had taken in her lifetime, specially having people build "Anlu" to house and treat the plague-stricken, blocking the spread of the epidemic. Such an organized decision and approach also made the people of Taiyi Shu feel much relieved.

However, now that the Anlu was built, those plague-stricken commoners were unwilling to go there.

"It's being spread everywhere that once plague victims are taken to the Anlu, they will all be burned alive..." an official from Taiyi Shu sighed. "Even if forcibly taken, they try to escape; many commoners even hide their symptoms from each other. Our people can only go to each village every day to search and investigate."

"More than ten have already died. The Sixth Prince has issued a strict order that all who die of the plague must have their corpses buried by government runners, but some commoners refuse to comply, leading to frequent conflicts between officials and commoners."

"The disposal of corpses can be forcibly carried out, but the living plague-stricken are extremely difficult to restrain. Now, fewer than twenty people have been housed in the Anlu in total..."

"And among them, half cry every day begging not to be burned to death."

Shaowei furrowed her brow. In her previous life, she had never heard of the plague spreading so widely, nor of anything like burning commoners to death happening. Commoners' lives were equally precious; only in an extremely fatal great plague would the court choose to burn people and villages. This epidemic was clearly far from reaching that level.

The current situation seemed as if someone was deliberately fanning the flames, inciting and misleading the commoners... Comparing it with the situation in her previous life, it was not difficult to guess who this was aimed at.

If left to develop like this, the plague would surely become increasingly difficult to control.

Shaowei pondered for a moment, then asked about other things. By the time half a day had passed, she had roughly understood the general situation.

As dusk approached, the sound of horse hooves and voices returned outside the County Office. Inside the high carriage with a gauze curtain, the green-robed youth leaned his head and slept all the way. The officials who returned with him all muttered in their hearts that this son had extraordinary energy; having rested his spirit like this on the journey, he was likely to have the energy to make things difficult for them all night again.

The carriages and horses stopped steadily. The youth stifled a yawn, sat up straight, raised his hand to lift the carriage curtain first, and saw people in witchcraft attire coming and going inside the government office gate. He casually asked: "Who arrived again?"

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? 【Records of using Anlu to isolate plague victims date roughly to the late Eastern Han; the text credits this pioneering achievement to the Ling Empress.】

? 【Records of the Anlu being used to isolate Yao Bing patients date roughly to the late Eastern Han; the text credits the Ling Empress with this pioneering achievement.】