Chapter 41

Princess Jingyang? That Junior Secretary?

You know all that?

I've heard of her, but why is Princess Jingyang's poetry being written by the Commandery Princess?

Because Qianqian doesn't like our poetry circle tea gatherings; she thinks these poems are merely superficial wordcraft, not really related to important state policies, but she can't very well not participate, so each time she has me casually write a poem for her.

Since Young Master Jiang is here this time, I naturally want to give you another chance; still on the theme of spring scenery, though I reckon no matter how well you write, Qianqian won't care much.

According to what Dong Pangpang told me, this Princess Jingyang, Zhao Nuo (whom Zhao Zhinanling has called Qianqian sister since childhood), should be the type who cares more about state policies and the people's hardships.

If I write something for her...... that poem might actually work.

Got it! It's something I did before, but it's late spring to early summer scenery; might not be suitable.

No problem! Go ahead and recite it so we can hear!

Zhao Zhinan blinked slightly, then immediately fell silent, like a well-behaved child getting ready to hear a story.

In the farming household there's little idle time; in May people are twice as busy.

The painting style suddenly shifted, almost twisting Zhao Zhinan's slender willow waist.

What is this? A farming proverb? It's far too plain and easy to understand; if that's all, I could write it myself—looks like that earlier 'Spring Rain' poem was already Jiang Yunzhou's peak.

Give me a bit more.

Last night the southern wind rose, the wheat blankets the fields in yellow.

Hmm, these two lines describe the scenery pretty well, but they still fall short of my 'Heavenly Street Small Rain Moistens Like Ghee'.

Young Master Jiang, let's not do it bit by bit; how about we go straight through in one breath?

Jiang Yunzhou shivered again at those words, turned his head to look outside, made sure no one heard that tiger-and-wolf phrase, then recited in one breath:

"Women and elders carry baskets of food, children hold jugs of drink,

"they go together to bring provisions to the fields, the able-bodied men on the southern ridge.

"Their feet steam from the hot earth, their backs scorch under the blazing sky,

"Exhausted, they don't feel the heat, but they lament the long summer day.

"There's also a poor woman holding her child beside her,

"her right hand gathers leftover grains, her left arm hangs a tattered basket.

"Hearing their mutual words, listeners feel sorrow.

"When the family's fields have paid all taxes, they gather this to fill their hungry stomachs."

As Jiang Yunzhou recited the poem in one breath, a scroll depicting the busy, sorrowful life of farming households in late spring gradually unfolded before Zhao Zhinan's eyes.

The language is plain, even blunt, yet the scene sketched by those simple words is incredibly vivid.

Though the words seem crude and simple, the whole poem gives an impression of great skill without apparent effort.

Although it seems to carry a hint of satire, Qianqian usually prides herself on being different from everyone else, so this unique 'Spring Scene' will surely catch her interest.

"Exhausted, they don't feel the heat, but they lament the long summer day... what a fine line! Though it really sounds like a summer scene.

Jiang Yunzhou hurriedly explained:

"It's late spring to early summer; the crops in our Wuzhou area mature early.

"No matter, Qianqian is naturally unconventional, so being different is just fine—I didn't realize it, Young Master Jiang, Wuzhou's Little Poetry Champion! All right, I'll take this poem!

"Commandery Princess, we need to add another five hundred taels, or it won't work.

Zhao Zhinan said arrogantly:

"You just called yourself a scholar, and now you're raising the price? Anyway, I, the Commandery Princess, have already noted it down—you have to give it whether you like it or not.

Playing the rogue is my specialty, Jiang Yunzhou gave a wicked grin and said:

"All right, from now on I'll voluntarily go to Prince Rong's Mansion to treat the Commandery Princess's illness, and I'll insist someone be present... the Commandery Princess wouldn't want the 'foot massage' service to just stop like that, would she?

"You!"

Jiang Yunzhou wasn't threatening to leak the 'foot massage'; he was merely threatening to withhold the service, at least showing this guy still keeps his mouth shut.

Zhao Zhinan puffed out her little lips, angry, and said:

"You're ruthless! Fifteen hundred taels it is then!

Anyway, worst case I could sell it at a higher price to Qianqian.

Jiang Yunzhou thought, 'Commandery Princess, you really do have that addiction, huh? I'm not really into it—I'm just playing with nerves.'

But such splendid spring light is right before my eyes; what if I one day can't hold back? After all, I'm someone who trains every day by taking those tiger-and-wolf medicines.

Before entering Shangyang City, I'd thought I'd quickly break through my virginity, but now I find I can't break through with anyone I meet.

While we were chatting idly, the maid Ping'er and Qingru sister pushed open the courtyard gate and came in, and behind them unexpectedly followed Yang Hanlu and Zhou Zhen.

"Greetings, Commandery Princess!

"Yunzhou, Chief Banner Yang and his people have something to discuss with you.

"Young Master Jiang, we'll wait outside; after you finish treating the Commandery Princess, we'll talk then.

Zhao Zhinan waved her hand and said:

"No need, today's treatment is already finished. Ping'er, help me up a bit—this chair is hard, my legs feel a little sore and weak.

Jiang Yunzhou thought, 'Your legs are weak—don't you know why?'

After seeing off the Ningley Commandery Princess's carriage, Jiang Yunzhou turned back and asked:

"What's up, Chief Banner Yang and Older Brother Zhou?

Yang Hanlu raised his sword-brows and cold eyes, his proud stance turning as he lifted his blade and said:

"A murder case occurred in the west of the city; we need Young Master Jiang to go investigate with us.

"I? But I'm a doctor, not a coroner—how did this matter find me?"

Shen Qingru also vigilantly shielded Jiang Yunzhou behind them and said:

It would still be troublesome for the two of you to explain the situation clearly; otherwise I also wouldn't let Yunzhou go to the Zhenning Si.

Zou Zhen explained:

Jiang brother, rest assured, we have absolutely no ill intent. The reason we looked for you instead of the coroner is firstly because Minister Dong of the Dali Temple personally ordered you to go; I never expected you to actually know Sir Dong!

How did Dong Pangpang think of having me assist in solving the case? Could it be to give me a chance to meet the people of the Zhenning Si?

Since it's Sir Dong's request, I'll go. What's the second reason?

The second reason is that the two deceased are actually the coroners assigned to solve the case.

Damn, I agreed too early; looks like it's a very risky case.

Yang Zongqi, you also know I'm now somewhat famous as a physician; leaving the clinic to work as your coroner...... this lost wages......

Knowing Jiang Yunzhou's love of money, Yang Hanlu nodded helplessly:

Don't worry, the pay starts from the moment you leave the Cang Medical Clinic.

Alright, no delay, let's set off now!

Since Yunzhou had already agreed, Shen Qinqing couldn't say anything more; taking advantage of Yang Hanlu and Zou Zhen leaving first, she secretly reached out and rubbed the spot on Jiang Yunzhou's ribs that she had just pinched, speaking softly:

Be careful, come back soon.

Hehe, Sister Qinqing, don't worry, I'll make it back in time to eat your medicine.

Hiss! You brat!

——————————

Just as Jiang Yunzhou's group headed west, in the third courtyard of the Willow Lane behind the Red Sleeve Pavilion in the east city.

The female warrior Zhen Qing, seated cross‑legged on the bedroom bed meditating, barely managed to suppress the effects of the love gu.

But at this moment, for some unknown reason, a stronger urge to seek Jiang Yunzhou suddenly welled up from her heart, and it was even harder to bear than before.

Is it because that fellow is farther away?

The flush on her handsome, pretty face had just faded a little when it rose again.

Suddenly opening her eyes, Zhen Qing snorted angrily, picked up her bamboo hat, pushed the door open, and strode straight toward the Cang Medical Clinic.

From the black cloth on Zhen Qing's hair came Su Tao's pleasant laughter:

Hahaha, Senior Sister, you lost and couldn't hold back! You owe me ten taels of silver!

Are you happy that my gu poison is acting up?

No, no, but it's much better than the shattered‑heart gu acting up, and besides I think that Master Jiang isn't a bad person.

You lovesick fool, seeing a handsome face and thinking they're not bad.

So what will Senior Sister say when she goes to find that Jiang Yunzhou? 'I couldn't hold back, I miss you?' Hahaha.

I won't go see him; I'm just looking for a place to stay that's relatively close to the Cang Medical Clinic.

Alright, I bet you'll go find him, and I'll raise another ten taels! Anyone want to call?