Chapter 115

Chapter 115: Heads Could Roll

Sheng Zhi Wan stared at Ting Lan, who covered her lips, giggling lightly. Her eyelids twitched.

[This little maid must have ten lives, daring to call the future head of the Eastern Depot—a cunning and ruthless figure—a “silly goose.”]

Yet, glancing at Du Yi Zhi, she saw he didn’t seem angry. He only raised his head for a brief moment, frowned slightly, and then returned to his usual calm.

Sheng Zhi Wan sighed inwardly. [Truly worthy of his future title.]

“Does the noble one have instructions for me?”

Du Yi Zhi was born into wealth but had fallen into misery. He knew best how treacherous human hearts could be. No kindness came without reason; anyone showing it certainly desired something in return.

Thus, he concluded that the person before him wanted something.

But his life was worthless as weeds. Why would anyone of importance care about him? Even the fact that someone knew his name was strange.

Du Yi Zhi lowered his head, countless thoughts swirling in his mind.

Seeing his caution, Sheng Zhi Wan spoke plainly, “Indeed, I have a request. Perhaps we could speak privately at Master Du’s home?”

[Master Du?]

Du Yi Zhi stiffened, disbelief coloring his face.

Currently, His Majesty had four princesses. The Third Princess had passed young, and the Fourth Princess was a mere child. Of the remaining two, the eldest was married far away, leaving only Princess Ning.

In an instant, Du Yi Zhi guessed Sheng Zhi Wan’s identity.

He nervously wet his cracked lips, his heart pounding. “If Princess Ning doesn’t mind my humble and messy home, it would be my honor!”

Ting Lan stared, wide-eyed. [How did he guess the Princess’s identity so quickly?]

Guided by Du Yi Zhi, the two arrived at a modest home in Yellow Earth Alley. Before entering, they heard harsh coughing from inside.

Du Yi Zhi hurried his pace.

Seeing the woman coughing uncontrollably in the yard, Sheng Zhi Wan realized—[Du Yi Zhi’s mother is still alive at this time.]

As Sheng Zhi Wan approached, Du Yi Zhi remembered her presence, hastily explaining, “My mother is ill. If the noble one minds, perhaps another day, or tomorrow I could visit…”

He stopped mid-sentence.

Sheng Zhi Wan placed her fingers lightly upon the woman’s wrist. After a moment, she carefully studied her face, then gently asked, “Could you open your mouth?”

Du Yi Zhi froze.

“I know some medical arts,” Sheng Zhi Wan explained calmly.

“Yes… yes!” Du Yi Zhi quickly responded. “Mother, let this noble one examine you.”

“Oh dear, how can this be allowed?” Madam Du, seeing the beautiful, noble girl resembling a celestial fairy offering treatment, was flustered and tried to refuse.

Sheng Zhi Wan would never let her decline, as her purpose today was exactly to draw Du Yi Zhi closer. After some gentle persuasion, Madam Du reluctantly agreed.

Moments later, Sheng Zhi Wan frowned. “It’s tuberculosis.”

“What?” Du Yi Zhi’s face turned pale, Madam Du looked hopeless.

“It’s mild,” Sheng Zhi Wan quickly reassured. “No need for alarm. Do you have paper and brush? I’ll write a prescription for the medicine.”

“Is… this true?” Du Yi Zhi asked doubtfully.

Ting Lan had no idea her princess knew medicine, but whatever the princess said must be true. She rolled her eyes at Du Yi Zhi. “Why would my lady lie to you?”

Du Yi Zhi had to admit she was right. “We don’t have paper or ink. But if you speak the prescription, I can memorize it.”

How could he afford paper and ink in his poverty?

Sheng Zhi Wan thought briefly, then asked, “Do you know Merciful Creek Hall? You can fetch medicines there from now on.”

Gratefulness filled Du Yi Zhi’s eyes. After settling his mother, he solemnly bowed to Sheng Zhi Wan.

“What does the Princess wish for me to do?”

Sheng Zhi Wan had Ting Lan wait outside, then whispered, “Salt smuggling. Are you aware of it?”

Du Yi Zhi paused, “I know, but such dealings involve wealthy merchants and officials. Someone of my status couldn’t even participate, and besides…”

He frowned deeply. “If the Yamen finds out, heads could roll.”

Taxes from salt formed half the kingdom’s treasury. Salt smuggling was heavily punished, yet this Princess wanted a share?

“Do not worry,” Sheng Zhi Wan saw his thoughts clearly. “I’m not asking you to do it yourself. Just help lure another person into it.”

Her eyes turned icy as she spoke.

A quarter-hour later, Sheng Zhi Wan left Yellow Earth Alley.

Du Yi Zhi stared at the banknote of three thousand silver ingots in his hand, feeling like it was all a dream.

Madam Du trembled out of the room, astonished upon seeing the silver note. “What’s this? Yi Zhi, don’t do anything wicked!”

Du Yi Zhi woke from his trance, feeling the pressure of his mother’s grip, realizing he was indeed awake. He inhaled deeply, “Mother, rest assured. I’m merely helping a noble lady; this money is for the task.”

“Really?” Madam Du was still doubtful. Who would pay so generously?

Du Yi Zhi leaned close, whispering Sheng Zhi Wan’s identity.

Madam Du was stunned.

“The noble lady wants her identity hidden. Are you reassured now, Mother?”

“Of course, of course! That noble lady generously donated silver to the frontier! Others might forget, but we must remember!” Madam Du was originally from Ji Prefecture, home to the Northern Desert army. She had heard whispers of Prosperous Hall before.

“Then you must serve the noble lady well,” she urged.

Du Yi Zhi nodded repeatedly.

He clenched the silver note tightly. His gaze darkened momentarily, then softened again as he respectfully helped his mother inside.

[Not only will I complete the task, I will do it perfectly.]

Only then would the Princess truly value him, granting him a chance—to reclaim justice for his father.

…

“Princess, why give Du Yi Zhi so much silver?” Ting Lan lamented. If she liked him, a house would suffice. What if the princess found someone better later?

Sheng Zhi Wan caught her spinning thoughts, frowning slightly. “What nonsense are you thinking?”

“Nothing! Ah, Princess, Du Yi Zhi is indeed handsome. Where did you meet him?”

Sheng Zhi Wan gave her a peculiar look. “Do you like him?”

“Oh, no way! I’d never covet someone the Princess has chosen,” Ting Lan quickly replied, not wishing to become another Huan Zhu.

“Who said I chose him?” Sheng Zhi Wan sighed deeply. [Just what does this girl imagine all day?]

“I only hired him to do a task.”

Ting Lan pouted silently. [What could a skinny twig like Du Yi Zhi possibly do for the Princess?]

Sheng Zhi Wan laughed gently, giving Zhang Da a command, “To Merciful Creek Hall.”

At Merciful Creek Hall, Sheng Zhi Wan spoke to Shopkeeper Lin about Du Yi Zhi, handing over the written prescription. “Have these herbs prepared and sent to Duke Manor in the next few days.”

“Yes, Princess,” Shopkeeper Lin replied respectfully. “Also, the person you asked me to find has been located.”

“He’s thoroughly clean and trustworthy. Does the Princess wish to see him herself?”