The moment her front foot stepped out of Qiongwei Alley, the ancient storefront with its fish-skin lanterns collapsed behind her, completely burying the entrance to the Baoshen Building.
Qin Jiuye didn't dare look back. Dragging her trembling legs to a secluded spot, the first thing she did was check the Wild Fragrance seeds she had hurriedly stuffed into her waistband. Though she had only secured three, it was still a harvest. She then did a quick inventory of the two baskets on her back. Fortunately, the items she had purchased earlier on the outer street were intact; the only loss was the hem of her trousers, which had been torn by the frenzied crowd.
The sky was nearing dusk. Qin Jiuye raised her hand to tidy her messy hair, but the loose strands refused to stay in place. It was then she realized the handkerchief she used to tie her hair was gone.
*Had it fallen somewhere while she was running for her life inside the building?*
She had quite liked that handkerchief with the embroidered grass. She only had two in total; one had been lost previously, and she usually couldn't bear to use this remaining one, having only brought it out today for this special occasion.
It seemed precious things kept until the end always met such a fate.
Thinking of the unexpected disaster she had been embroiled in today, Qin Jiuye felt a lingering fear. Previously, she had relied on her own cleverness and audacity, even daring to bring a "soft-legged shrimp" like Jinbao in and out of the Baoshen Building. Looking back now, she had simply been lucky.
Taking a breath, she walked on with heavy steps under the setting sun.
If one were to speak of misfortune, she certainly wasn't the unluckiest person today.
Thinking of Teng Hu, who had paid his silver only for the goods to vanish, and then of the underworld traders who had been slashed and hacked in the chaos, the events of the day felt strange.
Everyone was there to do business; the trade was the priority. Although there had been various disturbances in previous years, there had never been so many casualties. Yet, the reactions of those few people near the stone platform when the copper chest was being auctioned seemed as if they were fighting a life-and-death struggle. It was truly terrifying to recall.
Furthermore, whether it was the Qingyang Market or the Baoshen Building, though they were underground gatherings, they hadn't just appeared in the last few years. In the past, even if things got rowdy for a day, the authorities would turn a blind eye and never sent men to clear the place out. This year, first came the curfew, and now this daylight raid—it was highly irregular.
Perhaps someone high up was like her, looking for something within the Baoshen Building.
Qin Jiuye’s heart skipped a beat. She wiped the sweat from her palms onto her skirt, her pace quickening as she headed toward Bobo Street with her head down.
The light was fading; the sun would set any moment. In less than an hour, the curfew would begin.
Qiongwei Alley was about three or four blocks away from Bobo Street, but there were at least three or four groups of patrolling officers on the road. She knew she looked like a bedraggled mess right now and that no one would likely want to haul her in for questioning, but after living a life of keeping her head down for so many years, she still felt instinctively guilty. She cursed Li Qiao for insisting on meeting at Bobo Street while trying to take a shortcut to leave this den of trouble as quickly as possible.
Although she wasn't as familiar with these streets as she was with Shouqi Street, she had walked them a few times before. However, preoccupied with her thoughts, she only realized after a while that the surroundings were exceptionally quiet.
At first, she thought she had taken a wrong turn, but looking around, that wasn't the case. It was just that all the storefronts and courtyards facing the street were tightly closed, and not a soul could be seen.
She was puzzled, but when she turned her head, she suddenly saw a dark, murky puddle in the shadows of a wall corner not far away.
Qin Jiuye froze, then instinctively took half a step back.
In her haste to take a shortcut, she had actually wandered into Sangma Street.
The words of the goatee-bearded man echoed in her ears: *There was a murder over at Sangma Street... the night watchman’s neck was snapped... blood flowed down half the street...*
What kind of bloodstain could remain in a corner after being washed by half a month of rain?
Her hands and feet went cold. Just as she was debating whether to advance or retreat, the sudden, rapid thudding of hooves sounded from the side.
The spot where she stood wasn't particularly wide or narrow; logically, she should have been able to dodge. Unfortunately, she didn't possess even a tenth of the agility of those martial artists, and coupled with the recent shock, she stood frozen in place.
A gust of wind whistled past her face, carrying the scent of dry straw, horse manure, and a hint of iron rust. The rider possessed superb horsemanship, urging the horse to leap and graze past her scalp.
Belatedly, she slumped to the ground with a low cry. She then saw the person on the horse turn his face slightly—a cold, stern young man clad in impressive black armor.
He used a quick glance to confirm she was unharmed, then knit his brows severely.
"This is a crime scene. Unauthorized persons are not permitted to enter."
While Qin Jiuye was still dazed, the large, grey, white-starred horse beneath him brought its front hooves down heavily. She snapped back to her senses immediately, scrambling to her feet. Apologizing profusely, she backed out of the street entrance. By the time she looked up again, the man had already galloped away.
Qin Jiuye stared blankly at the departing silhouette for a long time before finally finding her way. Forgetting even to brush the dust off her clothes, she wobbled away in the opposite direction.
***
Inside the Baoshen Building, pillars were toppled and beams were crooked—a scene of total devastation.
Fan Tong, the Prefect of Longshu County, led dozens of bailiffs as they filed in. After catching a few stragglers who had failed to escape, he began to pace with his hands behind his back, his face filled with disdain.
He would never personally set foot in such a filthy, low-class place under normal circumstances.
The Thousand Hands Gambling Den often presented him with gold and silver; the Wencui Pavilion Jade Shop sent exquisite trinkets; even the brothels of the Red Pheasant District would send a few singers and pipa players to his manor for entertainment. But in this godforsaken place, aside from a room full of stench, a pile of junk, and a few crude men brandishing weapons, what could he possibly gain?
The resentful Lord Fan stood on his tiptoes, terrified that his new velvet-lined boots would be stained with dust, leaving him with no one to complain to.
Not far away, several bailiffs were still using ladders to reach a martial artist who was halfway up a wall. Fan Tong watched with irritation and couldn't help but urge them in a low voice.
"Enough, enough. Is this your first day on the job? Just go through the motions. If you throw out your back or sprain an ankle, Lord Cao won't reimburse you for the medicinal plasters."
The Secretary, Cao Jin, was a money-grubber who only took in and never gave out—a famous "iron rooster" known for miles around and Lord Fan's most capable assistant.
The men retreated dejectedly and turned to help lift a hundred-jin alchemy furnace. Who knew how many copper coins this scrap metal would fetch? It truly wasn't worth as much as a single pearl from Wencui Pavilion.
Lord Fan yawned, wondering how he would compensate himself for the suffering he was enduring tonight, when he suddenly heard a noise from above.
He didn't take it seriously, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from the back of his neck. Suddenly, the light and shadows before him shifted. A figure dropped straight down from the broken ventilation hole, landing with a dull thud just a few paces away from him.
Lord Fan was a native of Jiugao; he had rarely left the city gates since birth, let alone mingled in the martial world. He had never witnessed such a scene. By the time he reacted and prepared to call for help, the figure had already slowly straightened up.
Only then did he see clearly: the newcomer wore a suit of black armor, the fine chainmail shaped like crescent moons. On the left side of his waist hung a long sword, and on the right was a piece of water-blue jade carved with a fret pattern.
"Are you the Prefect of Longshu, Lord Fan Tong?"
The person spoke. His voice was crisp, like the striking of jade. It would have been perfect for reciting poetry, but it lacked the weathered tone of age, making it hard to associate him with a family background of iron-blooded warfare.
This newly arrived Protector, a certain Mr. Qiu, was even younger than he had imagined.
If he weren't so young, he probably wouldn't have come up with such a rotten idea—ordering him around on his very first day of taking office.
Fan Tong cursed inwardly, but his face quickly smoothed into a humble and submissive expression.
"I am indeed Fan. This humble official did not know the Protector was coming. I was busy investigating and failed to welcome you properly. I hope the Protector will not take offense."
The figure standing with hands behind his back finally turned around. The man had a handsome face, a straight nose, and brows like swords reaching his temples. Were it not for the armor, he would look much like the noble scions of the city. However, he habitually pursed his lips tightly, and his dark hair was meticulously bound into a high official's cap, which elongated his face and gave him an air of inviolable majesty.
"Lord Fan has worked hard. Have you discovered anything?"
As the saying goes, the face reflects the heart. He hadn't even been appointed to the high ministry yet, but his official arrogance was already written all over his face.
Fan Tong snorted inwardly. *Young and aggressive, as expected. So what if he’s from the Qingzhong Mountain Academy? This blunt style is far too impatient.* Coming here alone without even a lieutenant—he likely had a headstrong and self-opinionated temperament.
Despite his internal disdain, his mouth began to spout smooth evasions.
"Upon receiving the order, this humble official immediately brought men over. However, the weather is fine today and there are many people visiting the market. Furthermore, the road in front of my manor was soaked by rain and needs repairs, so we had to take a detour. Nevertheless, we did not arrive too late. Those rogues were incredibly arrogant and put up quite a resistance. This humble official did not retreat and forced our way in. I did not expect this building to be so dilapidated; the wooden beams were damaged and nearly buried us underground. Fortunately, I noticed in time and had ladders set up outside first. As soon as the situation turned sour, we could retreat to the ladders and find an opportunity to counterattack..."
To turn a chaotic game of cat-and-mouse into something sounding like a dramatic siege—the man was indeed a talent.
Qiu Ling watched the "corrupt official" babble nonsense with his eyes half-closed, then suddenly interrupted him.
"Lord Fan, have you been serving in this city for ten years now?"
Fan Tong was taken aback, then replied with a hint of pride.
"I have held office for thirteen years and six months. I can be considered something of a veteran."
"Since you are a veteran, you must be very well-acquainted with the various affairs of this city?"
Lord Fan showed a bit of smugness, nodding his head.
"I am unworthy of the praise, but I do have some understanding."
"Oh? Since Lord Fan knows so much, why not broaden my horizons? For instance, what exactly is this gathering? Was it registered with the government? And who is the person operating behind the scenes?"
This was the "three fires" of a new official taking office, and he was being used as the first bundle of kindling.
On his first day in the city, he had come straight to Fan's territory to find trouble, and after using him, he was questioning him like a criminal. Indeed, this eldest son who had been away from home for years and was disliked by his family lacked discipline; he was so arrogant and lacked all etiquette.
Fan Tong snorted silently, though his face remained accommodating.
"This gathering is called the Qingyang Market, held only once a year. This building is called the Baoshen Building, the only one of its kind in the market. Both the Qingyang Market and the Baoshen Building have existed for a long time; they were here before I even took office. The Protector has been away from home for many years and is likely unfamiliar with the affairs of Jiugao. As for whether it was registered, I would need to return to the manor to check the official documents. As for the operator behind the scenes, it is likely some small merchant doing speculative business, hardly worth the Protector's concern. It would be better to leave the handling and rectification to me; no great trouble will come of it..."
His words were soft but carried thorns, making it impossible to find fault while leaving the listener feeling uneasy.
He had sat in this Prefect's seat for so many years and seen so many people pass before his eyes. The Censors he had dealt with could line up from Leitian Avenue to the South Lu Gate. How could a minor Protector whose title wasn't even warm yet dare to stir up the earth in front of this local god?
At this thought, Lord Fan’s old face became even more "kindly," his tone almost like an elder advising his own child.
The young Protector watched him without a word, then suddenly "shing"—he drew his sword.
Fan Tong’s voice stopped abruptly. A silver flash streaked past, and he felt something cold graze his temple. He let out a terrified shriek, only daring to open his swollen eyelids after a long moment.
"Pro... Protector...?"
The young Protector’s focus, however, was not on his face.
Belatedly, Fan Tong turned his head slightly. Only then did he see that not far behind him, a servant in grey clothes had been pinned to a pillar by the flying sword through his collar. He was struggling—a straggler who had slipped through the net during the earlier roundup.
*Is this the difference between a Protector with military merit and those useless fools?*
Fan Tong let out a trembling breath. Before he could take another, the man before him spoke again.
"I didn't understand a single word of what Lord Fan just said. Why don't you say it again while I consider it carefully?"
The needle-in-silk rhetoric was pushed back to him intact. Regretting his earlier words, Lord Fan’s forehead broke out in sweat, whether from the shock of the sword or the misery of his current predicament.
When he looked at that handsome face again, he finally understood that it was merely a young face. Anyone who believed there was a reckless, green youth beneath that face was destined for misfortune.
Fan Tong’s expression became cramped and his breathing labored, yet the man before him showed no intention of giving him a way out.
Wanting to salvage some dignity, he steeled himself and leaned in, whispering, "It was this humble official’s dereliction of duty first, and then my misspeaking. I deserve punishment. Why don't I host a banquet tonight to apologize? I hope the Protector will grace my manor with his presence to relax and wash away the fatigue of his journey..."
The number one talent of Qingzhong Mountain Academy, the Inspector personally appointed by the General of the South, the jade-wearing Protector from the battlefield, one of the Four Gentlemen of Kunxu... what were all those titles? In the end, he was just a young, vigorous man who couldn't escape the lure of fine wine, beautiful women, and a night of pleasure. Since force didn't work, he could always try coaxing.
However, as if knowing exactly what he was thinking, Qiu Ling’s gaze stabbed into his fleshy body like a knife in the next instant.
"Has Lord Fan gone senile? A curfew is currently in effect in the city. The law applies to officials and commoners alike; no one may defy it."
Fan Tong was stunned, his beard trembling. After a long silence, he finally lowered his head.
"Then... what does the Protector desire? This humble official will certainly cooperate."
The young Protector’s stern features finally relaxed. He gave a faint nod and patted the fat official on the shoulder.
"With Lord Fan’s assistance, Jiugao City will surely return to peace soon."
As he spoke, several young officers emerged from nowhere. They cleared the scene with practiced efficiency and led out six or seven captured stragglers.
The last one was a bearded adjutant, tall and rugged. He didn't look like he was from the Jiugao area, but rather like a northern Chile tribesman.
He took the sword and respectfully handed it back to Qiu Ling, then reported with a crisp salute.
"Protector, the people have been detained. Including those in the building and those caught at the street entrance, there are nineteen in total. Only that woman at the door was cunning enough to escape. However, I found this while clashing with her."
A stack of papers and bamboo slips of various sizes and shapes was handed over—the calling cards of today's buyers.
Not far away, Fan Tong was peeking over. Qiu Ling thought for a moment and handed the cards back.
"Investigate the names on these one by one. See exactly who participated in that final round."
"Yes, sir."
The bearded man took the order and withdrew. Lord Fan immediately scurried over.
"Does the Protector have any further instructions? Does this humble official need to lead men for a thorough search? The terrain here is complex; I had to do quite a bit of searching myself just now..."
This cunning Prefect Fan had truly mastered the art of shifting with the wind. Seeing that Qiu Ling was using his own men, Fan was afraid of being held accountable, yet he didn't truly want to do the hard labor, so he waited until now to speak up.
The young Protector blinked and spoke frankly.
"Lord Fan’s kindness is hard to refuse. Why don't you help me with a small favor first?"
Fan Tong froze, clearly not expecting this.
He prided himself on being smooth, but today he had been kneaded like dough until he didn't know north from south. He couldn't understand the man before him and could only swallow hard.
"May I ask what favor?"
"The Second Miss of the Su Manor in the north of the city, Su Muhe, fell ill recently. The manor is looking for a physician to visit. She and I are betrothed. I would like to ask Lord Fan to help find the most famous doctor in the city. If the Su Manor asks, say it was my request. If there is anything improper, tell them to come and ask me directly."
Qiu Ling’s words caught Fan Tong by surprise.
He had thought that given the other's uncompromising nature, he would set some difficult task to pave his way, but he hadn't expected it to be a private matter.
And a private matter concerning romance, no less.
He hadn't heard of Qiu Ling having any contact with Su Muhe after leaving home. He didn't know if this was out of genuine concern or just for show for the Su family.
The Su family was no easy lot. The head of the house, Su Lin, dealt in the medicinal herb business. Although they couldn't compare to true official families, they certainly didn't lack gold and silver. If they truly wanted to hire a physician, the best doctors in the city would have been summoned long ago. It was likely that Su Muhe’s position in the family was awkward, and the inner court was intentionally delaying her treatment. Perhaps they hoped to ruin this marriage so that the eldest daughter, Su Muzhi—who had previously broken the engagement—could reclaim this "bargain" husband.
Indeed, the eldest Qiu son had originally been betrothed to the eldest Su daughter. Unfortunately, back then, no one thought much of the youth who had just lost his mother and been sent out of the city. No one expected him to return home in glory, rightfully taking up the post of Protector in Jiugao with such fanfare.
The tides had turned. Fortunately, Fan Tong had arrived late and hadn't been caught in the previous storm. He hadn't picked the wrong side yet; there was still hope.
Thinking of this, Fan Tong sucked in his belly, his gaze becoming firm.
"Rest assured, Protector. Leave this matter to me. I will ensure the best physician in the city is brought before the Second Miss Su."
Qiu Ling’s expression softened, and he gave a polite bow.
"In that case, I shall trouble you."
***
**Glossary**
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 龙枢 | Longshu | The name of the county/region. |
| 樊统 | Fan Tong | The Prefect of Longshu. |
| 曹进 | Cao Jin | The Secretary (Yuan Shi) under Fan Tong. |
| 掾史 | Secretary | A minor administrative official/clerk. |
| 千手赌坊 | Thousand Hands Gambling Den | A local establishment. |
| 问翠阁 | Wencui Pavilion | A local jade shop. |
| 红雉坊 | Red Pheasant District | A local entertainment/red-light district. |
| 邱陵 | Qiu Ling | The new Protector (Duhu) of Jiugao. |
| 督护 | Protector | A high-ranking military/administrative official (Duhu). |
| 回字纹 | Fret pattern | A traditional "Hui" character pattern. |
| 水苍玉 | Water-blue jade | A type of pale blue or greenish jade. |
| 青重山书院 | Qingzhong Mountain Academy | A prestigious academy/sect. |
| 平南将军 | General of the South | A high military rank. |
| 监察使者 | Inspector | An official post. |
| 昆墟门 | Kunxu Sect | A martial or scholarly sect. |
| 四君子 | Four Gentlemen | A title for elite members of a sect/group. |
| 敕勒 | Chile | A northern nomadic ethnic group. |
| 苏凛 | Su Lin | Head of the Su family. |
| 苏沐禾 | Su Muhe | Second daughter of the Su family, Qiu Ling's fiancée. |
| 苏沐芝 | Su Muzhi | Eldest daughter of the Su family. |
| 桑麻街 | Sangma Street | The street where a murder occurred. |
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Secret Recipe | Chapter 15 | The New Protector | Novela.app | Novela.app
