A Dream of Justice: The First Lady Constable | Chapter 46 | A Dream Beneath the Banyan | Novela.app

Before I even opened my eyes, a clear, bright voice shouted in my ear, "Xi Xia, you stupid woman, wake up!" I sighed inwardly. Ming Hua’s way of showing concern was always so unique. "Didn't you say she’d wake up right away?" Ming Hua’s voice began yelling at someone else again, sounding like a cornered wild cat. "What kind of useless anesthetic did you give her? Did you kill her? If she doesn't wake up, I’ll kill you!" The elderly voice that answered him seemed to belong to Imperial Physician Qi. His tone carried a hint of exhaustion and a touch of helpless retort. "If Officer Xi doesn't wake up, it will surely be because the Little Prince frightened her to death with his shouting." I hadn't expected the seemingly honest Physician Qi to have such a talent for humor. Just as I felt like laughing, Ming Hua’s voice rose several octaves. "You—" A voice as calm as still water cut in at the perfect moment. "Ming Hua?" Ming Hua huffed and fell silent. The sudden sound of that voice was like a stone dropped into a pond, instantly stirring an urge within me to hide. But my body was limp; I couldn't even move a fingertip. Crown Prince Ming De gave a few low-voiced instructions to the physician. Then, the sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance. I breathed a sigh of relief. A soft hand brushed against my forehead. Drowsily, I opened my eyes to see two large, pitch-black eyes darting around right in front of me. It gave me quite a start. "You're awake?" Ming Hua patted my cheek. "Do you still know who I am?" "Wild cat," I said lazily. Ming Hua’s large eyes blinked twice, but he didn't laugh. He carefully hugged my neck and leaned in, whispering, "You have to practice your martial arts well from now on. Don't let anyone bully you again." I wanted to laugh but couldn't, though a warm tide surged through my heart. "Are you... alright?" Ming Hua rested his head gently on my arm and said in a muffled voice, "No. All day long, I have to listen to that white-bearded old man lecture. I'm bored to death." He lifted his eyes, full of expectation. "Let me live at your house, okay?" I really wanted to seriously consider the feasibility of this suggestion, but perhaps because I had slept too much or the anesthetic was too strong, my head was in a fog. I couldn't think straight and blurted out, "Would His Highness agree?" Ming Hua’s little face fell. He pursed his lips and said nothing. I could only comfort him, saying, "Don't worry, let me think of a way." I was sincere when I said it, but the more I thought about it afterward, the more it sounded like a hollow excuse. Ming Hua was the Emperor's bargaining chip to keep Bingzhou in check; how could he do as he pleased? Perhaps slipping out of the palace to run wild occasionally was possible, but moving out was another matter entirely. The thin winter sunlight was as pale as water. The heavy palace walls blocked out all the clamor of the marketplace; there was nothing but silence. Luo Guang and I sat lazily on the steps of the training grounds, soaking up the sun. His arm was in a splint, and he was wrapped up like a mummy. The only things he could move with any ease, besides his intact left hand, were his eyes. Neither of us spoke. We just quietly watched the black shadow running back and forth in the field. On the empty training grounds, my precious horse was running lap after lap along the outermost track, tireless. Its black lines were smooth and elegant, its coat as glossy as silk, and its eyes shone like brilliant golden apples. As it ran, every cell in its body seemed to pulse with passion. It made me feel that its love for running free might already surpass its attachment to me. Ming Hua’s small figure sat upon the horse's back. After his initial nervousness, he had become quite relaxed. His flushed little face was covered in sweat, and his large eyes sparkled with pure joy. To make "Love You Forever" willing to be friends with Ming Hua, I had held the boy while he fed the horse more than half a bag of osmanthus candies, and I’d hugged the horse's neck while whispering many sweet words. The proud creature had remained reluctant until it started its warm-up trot. Once it got moving, however, it seemed to toss that minor displeasure to the back of its mind. Luo Guang moved his limbs with the stiffness of a robot and remarked with great feeling, "That horse of yours really is something. The more you look at it, the harder it is to turn away. Tell me, how did such good luck fall into your lap?" I rolled my eyes at him, too lazy to answer. Luo Guang pondered for a moment, then let out a long sigh. "It seems there really is no such thing as perfection in this world. Though 'Ink Dragon' is a rare breed, it has its flaws—besides its poor eyesight, it has no judgment of character. That’s why it chose a master like you." "Jealous, aren't you?" I glanced at him. "Do you think your wounds are healing too fast?" Luo Guang quickly scooted back. Perhaps remembering the night Feng Tong had tried to claim my horse, he lowered his head and chuckled. Once I got to know him, I realized he was actually quite a lively person. That old habit of putting on airs was mostly just for show. Luo Guang suddenly stopped laughing and nudged me with his toe. I followed his gaze. Outside the side gate of the training grounds, on the covered bridge leading to the sluice gate, several people were walking toward us. The person in the center was unmistakably Crown Prince Ming De. He wore a light-colored robe, and every movement exuded a calm composure that belied his age. Beside him was a woman in palace attire; I couldn't see her face clearly, but her dress suggested she was Consort Han. Luo Guang and I exchanged a look. Neither of us understood why we would encounter them here. But with only the two of us on the vast steps, there was no way to hide. I gave a sharp whistle toward the big black horse. Its ears pricked up, and it slowed its pace, snorting reluctantly as it trotted back toward the steps. Ming Hua was still in high spirits. As soon as he let go of the reins, his small body lunged toward me. I quickly caught him with my right arm to prevent him from bumping my wounded left shoulder. Ming Hua clung to me like an octopus, his large eyes glowing with excitement. "It’s so fast! It felt like flying..." I wanted to set him down, but the little fellow was so immersed in his joy that he completely ignored the looks I was giving him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the Crown Prince’s party drawing closer. To my dismay, this "little sticky rice cake" not only refused to let go but even reached up to climb further up my neck. "Ming Hua, come down!" Ming De’s voice was as calm as ever, but a hint of displeasure lurked beneath the surface. Ming Hua froze. Turning to see Ming De and Consort Han, his gaze darkened, and his previous excitement vanished without a trace. The hands around my neck loosened. I set him on the ground and quickly knelt beside Luo Guang. I heard Consort Han say in a neutral tone, "The Grand Tutor has been waiting for the Little Prince in the study for a long time. If the Little Prince continues to be so naughty and refuses to return to his recitations, the Tutor will be angry, and I fear you will suffer for it." Ming Hua’s hand twitched slightly, but his face remained stubborn. It suddenly occurred to me that with his personality—unyielding to both force and persuasion—he must have been bullied quite a bit while studying among a group of high-ranking royal children. What use were his few flashy martial arts moves? But if he didn't endure it and retaliated, wouldn't things become even more uncontrollable? A sense of powerlessness washed over me again. My strength wasn't even enough to protect a child—this feeling of futility suddenly made me exceptionally irritable. Kneeling beside me, Luo Guang seemed to sense the change in my mood and shot me a worried, warning glance. Crown Prince Ming De sighed softly. "As a member of the royal family, it is not forbidden to learn some martial arts for self-defense. However, skipping your lessons is unacceptable." He paused, then turned to look at Luo Guang and me. "Since you are fond of martial arts, let it be this: once Officer Luo and Officer Xi have recovered from their injuries, they shall take turns coming into the palace to instruct you." I was stunned, wondering if I had misheard. I glanced at Luo Guang, who wore an equally bewildered expression. Ming Hua, however, rushed forward and grabbed Ming De’s sleeve, crying out in surprise and joy, "Is His Highness telling the truth?" A faint trace of a smile appeared in Ming De’s voice. "When have I ever lied? However, if you don't return to your lessons immediately, I shall have to start now." Ming Hua gave a cheer, rushed over to give me a quick hug, and bolted away. Two eunuchs hurried to follow him. Consort Han watched Ming Hua’s retreating back with a flat expression. "Your Highness is too indulgent with the Little Prince," she said softly. Ming De acted as if he hadn't heard her. He gave a light wave of his hand. "You may all rise. You are injured; there is no need for empty formalities." Several eunuchs came forward to help Luo Guang and me up. My gaze met Consort Han’s in the air; she immediately turned away, fixing her eyes on the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince smiled at Luo Guang, then at me. "Xi Xia, I’ve been meaning to ask: how did you know that the scent of Ziyao mixed with wine would cause the body to go limp?" I replied, "In my early years, I studied pharmacology under the Poison Fairy of the Myriad Poison Valley." Ming De hummed in acknowledgment and nodded. "If you hadn't reminded us to swap the wine for water that day, the consequences would have been unthinkable." Beside me, Luo Guang also looked enlightened. He had been lying in wait on the roof that day and hadn't known about that particular interlude. Ming De said with a smile, "Go back and rest well. You have both performed great service. The court’s rewards will be issued in the coming days. It has already been decided that Officer Luo will be promoted from Subordinate Sixth Rank to Principal Sixth Rank, and Officer Xi will be promoted from Principal Sixth Rank to Principal Fifth Rank." When we kowtowed to express our gratitude, both Luo Guang and I remained very calm. Perhaps it was because our side had suffered deaths and injuries in that battle, so hearing of rewards didn't bring much joy. Especially since the spot where Zhang Dong fell was less than two feet away from me. These past few days, whenever I closed my eyes, I saw that blade tip protruding from his back over and over again. What we lost were comrades who had fought by our side. What kind of reward could ever soothe such pain? When I woke from my afternoon nap, the first thing I saw was Qing Rong’s face. I thought I was dreaming. It wasn't until she reached out and pinched my nose, frowning, that I realized it was real. "What time is it, and you're still in bed? Didn't you say the injury wasn't serious?" I moved over to make room and pushed a pillow toward her. She lay down without ceremony. Qing Rong looked a bit different than usual, as if her mind was full of worries, yet she had an air of "I'm annoyed, leave me alone." Lying beside me, she stared blankly at the canopy of the bed. Since she didn't speak, I began to feel drowsy again. "Wu Chao?" she called my name softly. I turned my head. Her eyes were watery, as if brimming with tears. I startled, my sleepiness vanishing. Right before my eyes, two crystal-clear tears silently slid from the corners of her eyes into her hair. "What... what’s wrong?" Qing Rong reached out to wipe the tears away and turned her face toward the window. Her voice was muffled. "Get well soon. Then pack your bags." She said this without context. What did it mean? I couldn't see her expression, but her hand reached out and gripped mine tightly. Outside the window, a few birds chirped, adding a bit of life to the silent afternoon. Qing Rong might have been listening to the birds bicker just as I was. After a long silence, she whispered, "Do you think the Great Chu Kingdom has birds that fly into people's courtyards to forage in the winter, too?" My heart skipped a beat, and I sat up abruptly. Qing Rong pressed my arm down and said softly, "Wu Chao, don't say anything right now. What must come will come. I’ve already made up my mind." She had made up her mind, but I hadn't. "The front lines are still fighting, and the peace talks aren't finished. How could..." Qing Rong sighed, her voice haunting. "General Meng An went to see Imperial Father the day before yesterday. According to him, the Emperor of Great Chu has abdicated in favor of the Fourth Prince, Yi Kai. To show his desire for friendly relations, this new Emperor has personally set out for the Central Capital to ask for a marriage alliance. He claims he doesn't know who masterminded those assassins, but their goal was not only to assassinate the Emperor of the Flame Heaven Kingdom but likely to frame the newly ascended Fourth Prince. He begged Imperial Father to discern the truth and not fall for the villains' scheme to drive a wedge between us." I was stunned. I hadn't expected General Meng An to have such a narrative prepared—he was truly a talent. Qing Rong gently rubbed my fingers, murmuring, "If he really comes, do you think Imperial Father could possibly refuse?" If it were a father in an ordinary family, he certainly would. As for an Emperor... Until she left, Qing Rong said nothing more, only staring vacantly at the ceiling with misty eyes. As she was leaving, I asked her what she had gained from a whole afternoon of contemplation. She said, "I discovered—there are three spiderwebs on the beams of your bedroom. It’s time to clean." I used to think that practicing a few rounds of boxing with "Big Black" and "Little Black" would cure my irritability. But at some point, those methods stopped working for me. I paced around the courtyard twice, then finally threw on a cloak and slipped out. There was no moon and no stars; the sky was pitch black. Thick clouds pressed down almost to the treetops, and the air was heavy with a damp warmth. It would likely snow tonight. I walked aimlessly with my head down for I don't know how long. When I finally looked up, I found myself outside the side gate of the Prince Jing Mansion. That old banyan tree still stood tall in the deep night, its shadows flickering, seemingly still exhaling a sweet fragrance. Seeing it, my nose suddenly felt a bit stingy. I climbed the tree as I used to, wrapping myself tightly in my cloak. The layers of dark green leaves crowded around me, completely isolating me from the outside world. I curled my body into a tight ball, like a child. I felt cold. This winter was truly cold. A slight breeze brushed over my head, making a rustling sound. Then, something suddenly landed on the branch where I was perched. Before I could see anything clearly, a cloak carrying body heat flew over, wrapping me tightly inside. From above my head came a slightly trembling voice: "You fool, who told you to sit here in the middle of the night?" My breath stopped, and my body suddenly went limp, so weak I had no strength at all. I could hear nothing but my own heartbeat, faster and faster. The night was too thick; even with my eyes wide open, I could see nothing clearly. There was only a blurred shadow drawing close to me. I must be dreaming... Like the dreams I had had countless times, I felt his hand again. His hand was always so warm. My ear pressed against his chest, and I heard his strong, powerful heartbeat once more... How long had I longed for this embrace? I tried desperately to hold back my tears. Ying Xue was sleeping outside; if she heard me crying in my dream, she would tease me... Ming Shao’s arms suddenly tightened. I felt a few strands of his hair brush against my cheek. Such a vivid dream; how could one bear to wake up? "Xi Xia..." Ming Shao’s voice was as low and soft as the breeze passing overhead. "Don't call me..." I hugged his waist tightly, interrupting his soft call. "If you say my name, the dream will wake..." *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 紫瑶 | Ziyao | A rare plant/flower mentioned as a gift from Chu; its scent mixed with wine causes paralysis. 从六品 | Subordinate Sixth Rank | A mid-level official rank in the imperial bureaucracy. 正六品 | Principal Sixth Rank | A step above the Subordinate Sixth Rank. 正五品 | Principal Fifth Rank | A higher official rank, indicating a significant promotion for the protagonist. 小年糕 | Little Sticky Rice Cake | A metaphor for someone who is very clingy (referring to Ming Hua). 易凯 | Yi Kai | The newly ascended Fourth Prince/Emperor of the Great Chu Kingdom. 中京 | Central Capital | The capital city of the Flame Heaven Kingdom. 焰天国 | Flame Heaven Kingdom | The name of the country where the story is set.