Volume 5, Chapter 7: The Deal and the Use of the Cat (1/2)

As expected, Lady Pai did not just disappear into thin air.

Maomao saw her as an artist. Though, it seems that a fraction of people saw her as something else. As a figure of worship a religion, so to speak.

And a fraction of these people are fanatics who got too absorbed. Uryuus daughter, whose name appears to be Yakou(, Ye Guang), looks like one of those types.

This woman, who got a deep impression from watching Lady Pai on the stage, had tried to get in contact with the Lady. As a result, it seems the Lady had performed a divination for Yakou.

You have someone who will become a calamity beside you. This could be a neighbour or a blood relative. Yes, it seems to be a blood relative. Do you have a clue as to who that could be?

The Lady spoke so vaguely; she must have been examining the daughters complexion with it. She gave several options, then continued the conversation by choosing the words that elicited a reaction. It was a technique oft-used by swindlers as well.

Yakou, being the daughter of the former concubine, might have had some thoughts. At home, she treated her half-sister as inferior. She said that she had been scared of the worst case, where Consort Riishu would become pregnant with the emperors child. Her persecution complex quickly grew. And the one who nurtured it was Lady Pai. It was a common story.

And so, Yakou mentioned her own sister. And that she had uttered thus:

Aah, it would be better if shes gone.

Lady Pai had smiled at Yakou who whispered that, answering with I understand. The thing the Lady handed over after saying that, was the paper doll.

(How dicey.)

If the daughter was one who believed in divination, she would also believe in curses. After that, when she came to know about Consort Riishus assault, she thought that her curse had been successful.

And then, when she got distrust from Jinshi. And when she was believed to have tried attempting something to the consort, even though Consort Riishu is her half-sister.

(Is she a moron?)

Lady Pai had hidden herself, but she could give word if there was anything. And so, Yakou, who then informed Lady Pai of what she had been suspected of, received a letter.

How she could escape that was what had been detailed in the writing. It seems it was written that the Lady would look after the daughter after she left the estate as a mourner.

It was Yakous older brother who had been the most slumped when he heard about the details.

didnt you employ the thugs yourself? he asked.

The older brother, who thought that the family will be punished along with his younger sister due to Consort Riishus assault, had collaborated with his younger sisters words. The one who arranged for the mourners was also the older brother. As for Uryuu, he said nothing from start to finish. If he believed the words of Yakou and her older brother, the collaborators in the family were not just two people, but could the fact that he had erroneously determined the body as his daughter, be a mere mistake, or something of suspect?

In order to hide away from Uryuu and the others who had finished their medical treatment, Maomao returned to the corner of the room once again. She paid no heed to the daughters glances.

Well then, if the curse will lead to punishment, Yakous crimes would be heavy, but that will depend on the judges end as well. Unfortunately, neither the emperor nor Jinshi believed in curses to such an extent. They will simply read that as ill-intent, but it will be difficult to treat it as if it was implemented.

The issue for that would be.

Everything about the consort, huh, Jinshi said.

It would have to be about the connection with Lady Pai on whether the question of confidentiality still exists.

In the face of Jinshis questioning about that point, the one who opened his mouth was Uryuu.

How did you communicate with her? The father asked his daughter. He didnt enunciate properly due to the gap in his teeth.

That. I was told to tell no one.

In that case, all of us will be punished.

Hearing the words punished, Yakou shivered. But, the lady fairy said I must not tell.

Have you forgotten about the Shi Clan?

Yakou trembled in fright. Her brother also turned green.

Jinshi made a bitter expression. A different subordinate was standing expressionlessly behind him on the side. Not Basen that man will surely be chastised by Gaoshun after this.

Well then, she had heard before that the man called Uryuu was a person who excelled in business, but he was made to demonstrate his speciality here.

Uryuu stroke his own misshapen cheek.

Bringing up the name of the Shi Clan what could he be planning with that?

It appears that the information of this Lady Pai person is still lacking.

What about it? Jinshi gave a chilly expression, but he must be smiling wryly inside.

Yakou. Youll speak?

B-but, Father.

Youll speak.

At her fathers declarative tone, Yakou could only nod.

Jinshi slipped his hands into his sleeves and sent Uryuu a slightly overbearing gaze. With your daughters information, we can render everything as naught.

In other words, it seems he had proposed that thing called plea bargaining.

Uryuu had a fathomless smile set on his warped face. Rather than an official, it was the face of a merchant. Yes, I understand. Just one thing I wish to clarify, however.

What is it?

I heard that Consort Rifas head maid left the inner palace last year. What was the reason for it?

Hitting it where it hurts. That incident had been dealt with off the record, but it turns out to be something suspicious for those sharp-sighted people. As Consort Rifa herself had requested it, the person who had committed a serious crime had been let off with a dismissal.

In regards to Consort Riishus half-sister, it would be a different matter if the consort sought punishment, but considering her personality, that wouldnt happen.

Jinshis eyes quickly chilled. Does this have any relation to this?

No, my sincerest apologies. I said too much. Uryuu smoothly retreated. His son and daughter were stricken with terror from Jinshis icy expression.

The man called Uryuu was mentioned here and there in the imperial court, but it seems he happened to also have inexplicable shrewdness.

Talk about the incident with the white woman without covering anything up. Itll become troubling if you try to hide anything.

By your will. Uryuu bowed. His children copied him as they trembled, then retired from the room.

You people leave too, Jinshi said to the remaining subordinates. They left with sour expressions.

Oi. Come out. When there was no one else left in the room, he finally called Maomao out. She slipped out from the corner of the room.

Youre more a mouse than a cat, he remarked.

Im neither a cat nor a mouse.

Jinshi displayed a look of exhaustion and laid his face on the table. He threw out his legs. His posture was slovenly.

That posture, you havent been disciplined. Ill have to call Gaoshun-sama, she said.

If youre talking about Gaoshun, he will be coming to hit Basen sooner or later, Jinshi said, and gestured for Maomao to sit on the chair on the other side of the table. Maomao did as she was told. Unlike before, there was a lazy atmosphere. She thought there was no one around, but she controlled the volume of her voice.

Im sorry for Gaoshun-sama, but didnt he help out this time?

Speaking of what he helped out for, it was the incident with U Clan. Basen going on a rampage like that could only be seen as a foolish move. However, with the gains changed from this incident, it could be perceived as perfect.

Since, someway or another, the judgement Jinshi handed down to the U Clan became generous.

From the start, his majesty does not wish for punishment. Moreover, Mother probably would not approve.