The Han Dynasty Empress is a Ghost | Chapter 25 | A Stinging Homecoming | Novela.app

Feeling rather out of sorts, Ajiao finished her medicine and was promptly moved into a carriage by Shen Zhi. Guantao followed her into the carriage with a look of heartache, tucking a piece of green plum cake into Ajiao’s hand. Ajiao carefully reached out from beneath the covers, nibbling on the cake in tiny bites. It wasn't that she didn't want to eat faster; it was simply that opening her mouth too wide made her face ache. "Guantao, you stay in the carriage and look after Ajiao. I’ll drive," Shen Zhi said as he helped Guantao inside, naturally taking the driver’s seat. This was his official carriage as an Order Official, yet he had almost never used it. After all, he found walking or flying much faster and more convenient than sitting in a carriage. The carriage had been gathering dust in the Soul-Snatching Division’s warehouse, while the Flame-Treading Dragon Steed that pulled it had been boarded at the Nu Yi Division. Upon returning from the Reincarnation Platform, he had realized that Chen Ajiao was in no condition to be moved easily, so he had dug out this set of wheels. Guantao adjusted the door and window curtains. Turning back, she saw Ajiao nibbling on the pastry like a little rabbit. Perhaps because eating while lying down was awkward, a few crumbs were stuck to the corner of her mouth. "Ajiao, do you want some water?" The carriage was spacious, equipped with a tea table and set. The water in the pot was still hot; Guantao reckoned Shen Zhi must have just boiled it. He was certainly meticulous. "No need, Mother. I’m neither thirsty nor hungry right now," Ajiao shook her head. Through the carriage door, she could hear the sound of Magistrate Shen guiding the horse. Ajiao beckoned Guantao closer. As Guantao leaned down, the young girl whispered, "Mother, Magistrate Shen is truly good to you." "You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking!" "I’m not talking nonsense. Since you’re alone now anyway, it would be better to find someone you like to be with!" The Underworld didn't follow the mortal system of wives and concubines. Mortal ghosts who arrived in the Netherworld could only choose one person from those they had shared a marriage bond with in the living world to continue as a couple. And her mother had not chosen her father! As for Dong Yan, he wasn't an option for that. "Mother, you are a truly single young lady now. What is there to fear?" Guantao huffed and gave Ajiao’s mouth a gentle tap. "I see that without anyone to discipline you these past few years, you’ve grown cheeky again." Ajiao seized the opportunity to grab Guantao’s hand, rubbing her face against it. "I haven't. I just... I feel for you." In the past, Ajiao only knew that her mother didn't like her father, which was no big deal; many high-ranking households were filled with couples who were harmonious in appearance but divided at heart. However, her mother’s dying wish had been to be buried with Dong Yan. Ajiao couldn't help but wonder just how much her mother must have loathed her marriage to make such a scandalous request—one that would likely be condemned for thousands of years to come. Yet, while her father was alive, her mother had been forced to maintain the facade of that marriage. "Mother, you must seize the opportunity. You are so beautiful and so clever; you will surely be able to choose someone you truly like." Seeing that her mother remained silent for a long while, Ajiao deliberated for a moment before lowering her voice. "Mother, if you still like Dong Yan, we can go look for him slowly." When Dong Yan was serving in the Princess’s manor, Ajiao had already married into the palace, so she didn't particularly like or dislike him. As long as her mother was happy, it was fine. "Dong Yan? Speaking of him, I ran into him before and haven't told you yet. He lives in another city. A few days ago, he even accompanied me to look for you. But after I trashed the Yanyue Tower, he was placed under house arrest. He hasn't been released yet, and they won't let me in to see him. *Sigh*, luckily I begged Magistrate Shen to pull him out of the Judgment Division’s prison back then, otherwise his days would be much harder than house arrest." "Ah, that’s good then," Ajiao nodded in agreement. Looking at Ajiao’s dazed expression, Guantao couldn't resist rapping her knuckles against the girl's forehead. "You, stop worrying about me. From the time I was little until I grew old and died, I’ve never lacked suitors. Look at you—you couldn't even handle one man! How embarrassing!" The "embarrassing" Ajiao tried to silently turn over, but her body wouldn't move. She could only silently pull the covers over her face. Guantao pulled the blanket back down. "How many times have I told you? Don't bury your face in the covers." *** Dou Yifang and Bo Ji sat in the courtyard, sewing clothes while worrying about Ajiao. "Yifang, look at this plum blossom embroidery. Does it suit A-Si? *Sigh*, speaking of Ajiao makes me think of A-Si. She’s out there working alone; I fear her life isn't easy. That child may not have been raised in the lap of luxury, but she’s never had to serve others before. Now, she can only occasionally come to see me, her grand-aunt." Bo Ji sighed. A-Si had always been of a weak temperament; why was she so unwilling to get along properly with Qi’er now? "Imperial Mother’s embroidery is beautiful. This color and pattern will surely look lovely on A-Si. Don't worry, Mother. You know Yuanzhi Zhang’s temperament; he is charitable and gentle. Didn't A-Si say she was doing well every time she visited?" Dou Yifang comforted her with a smile. Wang Zhi approached, carrying a tea tray. "Grand Empress Dowager, Mother, this is the fresh tea soup I’ve just brewed. Please have a taste." "Set it down. I don't feel like eating right now." Bo Ji held up her embroidery hoop to inspect it. "Oh dear, this section isn't done well. I really am getting old. Yifang, fix this side for me." Since arriving in the Netherworld, Bo Ji had her son and grandson by her side, but not a single member of her natal family could be found. It was inevitable that she poured all her maternal affection onto the only one she could see, Bo Si. "Alright, Mother, you take a rest." Dou Yifang took the items from Bo Ji’s hands. Only after a moment did she speak to Wang Zhi. "You may go back now. A-Piao should be returning soon. Go prepare some hot water for her. She’s been miserable these past few days without seeing Ajiao. Since she finally saw her today, let her have a good soak tonight to relax." "Understood." Wang Zhi withdrew submissively. She was in no rush. Hadn't she endured all those years in Weiyang Palace until she came out on top? Once Che’er arrived in the Netherworld, would she still need to fear these people giving her the cold shoulder? Whether it was Liu Piao or Bo Si, how could they possibly compare to a biological grandson? "Mother! Mother, I’m back!" "Oh, A-Piao is back!" Dou Yifang was overjoyed. "Yifang, put those things down and go see." "Yes, Mother, please sit for a while." Before Dou Yifang even reached the gate, it swung open to reveal Guantao standing there with a face full of smiles. "Mother, I’ve brought Ajiao back." "Truly?" Dou Yifang couldn't believe it. Hadn't Magistrate Shen Zhi said just a few days ago that Ajiao wouldn't be back for centuries? "It’s true, Grandmother!" Ajiao couldn't help but call out from inside the carriage when she heard Dou Yifang’s voice. "Oh, this is wonderful!" Dou Yifang was ecstatic. Only then did she notice Shen Zhi standing at the gate holding the horse. "Magistrate Shen is here as well! A-Piao, why didn't you say so sooner? Magistrate Shen, please come in, come in!" Shen Zhi gave a slight smile. "It’s fine. I’ll bring the carriage in first." "Right, right. I’ll remove the threshold first." Guantao stepped forward. Her brother had said the threshold could be removed, but he hadn't explained how. Shen Zhi watched as Guantao crouched down and tried to pry at it with her hands without moving it an inch. He had no choice but to pull her aside. "Stand back. I’ll do it." With a gentle wave of his hand, the planks stood themselves neatly to the side. "..." Guantao could only lead Dou Yifang inside first. Bo Ji was also somewhat surprised to see Shen Zhi, but hearing that Ajiao had been brought back made her very happy, and she ushered everyone into the house. Guantao settled Ajiao in her own room and hurriedly explained to everyone that Ajiao was no longer in any danger. Dou Yifang still couldn't help but sigh several times. Poor Ajiao—why was she always so plagued by illness and calamity? "Magistrate Shen, have some tea." Once Ajiao was settled, Guantao tactfully brought a cup of tea to Shen Zhi. "Thank you for helping me so much lately." "It was nothing. By the way, come to my place for a moment. I have a few dharma treasures that can help nourish Chen Ajiao’s soul." "Alright. I’ve troubled you too much." Since it would help Ajiao, Guantao did not refuse. *** **Glossary** | Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 懿都 | Yi Capital | The city where the characters reside in the Netherworld. | | 令官 | Order Official | Shen Zhi's official rank/title. | | 踏炎龙驹 | Flame-Treading Dragon Steed | A mythical horse used to pull the carriage. | | 勾魂司 | Soul-Snatching Division | The department responsible for reaping souls. | | 女夷司 | Nu Yi Division | Likely the department managing flora or celestial spirits (Nu Yi is a flower goddess). | | 偃月楼 | Yanyue Tower | The building Guantao destroyed. | | 薄思 | Bo Si | A relative of Bo Ji. | | 苑制 | Yuanzhi | A specific rank or title in the Netherworld bureaucracy. | | 张苑制 | Yuanzhi Zhang | The official Bo Si works for. |