Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 13: Connecting with Consumers
The Zhuge household had been well-established for decades, while Zhu Shun was only just over a year old, living in Zhuge Huai's residence.
Although Jin Jiao had been identified, for the first time, Chu Qiao felt an unexpected sense of concern for her older sister Jin Jiao, and even for the candle holder, Jin Chen, though it was too late for the latter. Chu Qiao realized that Zhu Shun's plan was to implicate his master and bring disaster upon him from within. She contemplated sharing this with Zhuge Yue, but feared the young master might not believe her and instead misunderstand, thinking she was trying to clear her name of the crime that had clearly been framed by Zhu Shun. Zhuge Yue, aware of this possibility, quietly commissioned a third-party source to gather facts and investigate. He decided to delay any punishment until the report from his source was delivered the next day.
That night, in the dark, cold firewood room, Jin Jiao's body was covered with no more than 30 whip marks. Her frail frame seemed to have endured harsh punishment. Chu Qiao stood in front of her and scooped up some water to help her drink, but to her surprise, Jin Jiao still had enough strength to resent her, shouting in her face.
Groaning in pain, Jin Jiao slowly woke and, upon seeing Chu Qiao, desperately cried, "You little slut! Don't you dare look at me!"
Chu Qiao quietly stood before her, listening to her sister's loud curses. After hearing everything, she calmly said, "If you truly want to die, continue acting as you are."
Jin Jiao's clothes were stained with blood; her pale face rose and fell with each breath, and her eyes were full of hatred.
Chu Qiao shook her head and said slowly, "I warned you a long time ago, but you repeatedly went against me. If you hadn't followed me today, you wouldn't have ended up like this. It's your fault alone."
"I don't want to see your face!" Jin Jiao spat.
Chu Qiao sighed and asked, "Do you really want to die?"
She continued, "I didn't harm you, Jin Jiao. Today could have been just another day, but you followed me. I only wanted to teach you a lesson. Unfortunately, the fourth young master refused to save you. It seems you'll end up like Jin Chen."
As Chu Qiao's words trailed off, Jin Jiao's face turned even paler. She looked at Chu Qiao, and a trace of desire for survival appeared in her eyes. She stared at her and, with great effort, said, "Star child, I'm sorry for dragging you into this and accusing you. The plot to kill the young master was Jin Chen's and Zhu Shun's idea. I'm telling you the truth now—please, save me. I beg you, don't let the fourth young master kill me!"
Jin Jiao began trembling and sobbing. Chu Qiao sighed, set down the parcel she had been holding, and said coldly, "Stop crying. Do you think I came here tonight just to tell you you're old and must die? You won't die. Since you know how much pain you're in now, I'll let you go. Put on this dress, and I'll get you out of here."
Chu Qiao untied her ropes and helped her stand.
Jin Jiao quickly asked, "Can I really get out safely? The guards are impossible to escape."
"Don't worry," Chu Qiao replied. "I've arranged a way out through the back door. The guards are as good as blind. The master isn't home, so no one will chase after a lowly maidservant. Once you're out of the estate, you'll be safe."
With Chu Qiao leading, the two of them turned out of the window and moved through the winding paths. Suddenly, they heard footsteps coming from the nursing home. Startled, they crouched on the ground, not daring to move. Chu Qiao turned to Jin Jiao and said, "I'll meet the people and clear your way. You head to the backyard at the west gate. The gatekeepers won't stop you. Just tell them my name and they'll let you pass. Here's a set of clothes from my sister Ju Xiang. They might not fit perfectly, but it's better than nothing. I don't have much money, but this is all I can give you."
Jin Jiao quietly left while Chu Qiao walked toward the patrol. Jin Jiao opened the parcel and found a few copper coins—barely enough to buy a roast goose. She frowned but was relieved to find the clothes weren't torn or filthy, though they smelled strange. She reflected on her life as a maidservant to Zhuge Yue and realized she was now completely alone.
The cold wind bit into her skin, but she clung to the hope of a better future.
Meanwhile, in Zhu Shun's room, the sounds of heavy breathing and a woman's voice could be heard. Outside, in the cold winter night, the guards were too lazy to search for a warm place to nap. Chu Qiao quietly approached Zhu Shun's room, careful not to make a sound.
She found a good spot, crouched down by the door, and, with sharp eyes, prepared to act. Inside, Zhu Shun hummed cheerfully. Chu Qiao, armed with a stone, launched it at the door to divert his attention.
The door creaked open. "Who's there?" Zhu Shun called out.
Chu Qiao didn't respond and threw another stone.
"Show yourself!" he demanded irritably, stepping outside. As he did, his foot caught on an invisible rope, and he crashed to the ground.
"Woah!" Zhu Shun screamed, cursing.
In the dark, Chu Qiao struck quickly, using a dagger to slice into Zhu Shun's hand. He screamed as blood poured from the wound. Chu Qiao murmured, "Too easy," and retreated into the night, disappearing like a shadow.
The guards rushed over, and a woman exclaimed, "What happened?"
Half-dressed and in a panic, she cried, "I didn't see who it was, but they weren't tall—they seemed like a child."
"Where did they go?" a guard asked.
"Westward."
The guards hurried off, leaving Chu Qiao crouching in the grass, undetected. When the noise died down, she stood, brushed the dirt off her clothes, and left quietly, feeling a sense of calm justice.
She returned to the Hongshan courtyard, where her belongings had been thrown on the ground. Chu Qiao smirked, collected her things, and hurried toward Castle Peak. She knew the paths well, skillfully avoiding traps, and slipped into her room unnoticed. After changing into a soft cotton gown, she fell asleep.
In the meantime, Zhuge Yue looked displeased. He summoned his household and asked, "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"
"Master, someone attacked Zhu Shun, cutting off his hand. The guards report that a maidservant escaped through the west gate. They suspect the star child threatened her."
All eyes turned to Chu Qiao, whose face scrunched up in confusion. She blinked innocently, nearly in tears. "Fourth young master," she said softly, "I've been in my room all night. I didn't…"
"Master, Star child hasn't left her room," a maid confirmed.
Several others quickly vouched for her as well.
Zhuge Yue, satisfied with the answers, nodded and said to the servant, "Tell the Palm ( more of his authority) household that if the woman is speaking nonsense, there's no need for a trial. She should be thrown into the lake to feed the fish and shrimp. Star child, how many more fingers will point at you?" he thought silently.
He quickly dismissed the household staff, and after bowing to the young master, they returned to their rooms and posts.
Zhuge Yue glanced at Chu Qiao and said, "You should go back to sleep," his eyes filled with pity. He didn't linger or speak further, then turned and headed into the Xuan hall.
Chu Qiao stood there, still looking oppressed. A few maidservants approached her and gently took her hand. "Star child, don't be afraid. We'll stand by you, because you're innocent."
Chu Qiao acknowledged their support, breathing in the faint scent of pear blossoms carried on the wind, and softly said, "Thank you, sisters."
The night was almost over, with dawn approaching, and the cold wind blew steadily. As Chu Qiao stood there, she was reminded of the past—a year had almost passed since the slaughter of the Jingjia children. The blood price for that massacre had yet to be paid, even partially.
Jingjia children. The blood price for that massacre had yet to be paid, even partially.
AC Afterthoughts
The Kamisha girl mentioned in this chapter seems to refer to two people, though the author has yet to fully disclose this. One was captured, while the other escaped. It's possible that Chu Qiao had a companion other than herself sneaking into Zhu Shun's residence, or she might have been mistakenly associated with someone passing through the Hongshan courtyard.