Chapter 072: Sweet Ghost

Chapter Title: 072 The Cursed Sweetheart

They didn’t leave.

From the moon gate leading to the backyard surged a squad of soldiers, their movements uniform and precise, each face stern, eyes fixed ahead. It was clear at a glance that these men were a class above the bailiffs who had come out earlier.

Limping Liu fell back two steps, shielding Madam Mu at her side.

Zhu Xishi stepped diagonally, blocking Fang Rulai behind her. To infiltrate the yamen smoothly, Fang Rulai had disguised herself as a woman today—if their opponents discovered her too soon, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After emerging from the moon gate, the soldiers split into two groups, advancing until they had encircled Fang Rulai and the rest.

Last to appear was Sun Chi. “Close the gate!” At his command, someone shut the yamen doors behind them, sealing off any retreat.

“Torch!” Instantly, countless torches blazed atop the surrounding courtyard walls—so swiftly that Fang Rulai hadn’t even glimpsed the figures who lit them.

“Ready!” The ring of soldiers swiftly bent their bows and nocked arrows.

A murderous aura swept in; Fang Rulai hurriedly nudged Madam Mu’s waist with her elbow—hurry!

“Sun Chi, you heartless wretch! Not only did you bed your own son, but now you're about to personally shoot the mother of your son—the very sweetheart to whom you once pledged undying love? Fine, if you have the guts, give the order! I’ll see if, with Sun Yao and Jin’er gone, only the fool Sun Ming left, you can go meet your ancestors in the afterlife with any peace, you who prize the Sun family legacy above all!”

Fang Rulai surreptitiously gave a thumbs up—she deserved three dozen praises for that! The first half tugged at the heartstrings with the “cursed ghost” and “sweetheart,” while the second half pressed the weight of heritage and ancestors upon him. Sun Chi, can you really resist?

“Fire!” Sun Chi’s hand swept down, and arrows were loosed.

He hadn’t wavered—her words washed over him without effect.

Madam Mu’s heart lurched, her body trembling as she turned, wanting to ask Fang Rulai what to do. But Fang Rulai, quick-witted, jabbed her elbow forward again, forcing Madam Mu to correct her posture. Any sign of weakness now would mean certain death; the only hope was to raise the stakes and gamble everything.

Fortunately, Madam Mu was a bold woman, skilled and courageous. She immediately understood Fang Rulai’s signal. Instead of shrinking back, she stepped forward, her eyes wide as saucers. “Sun Chi! Open your lecherous eyes and look carefully! If my brow so much as furrows, it means I’m lying—let me be struck by lightning on the spot—”

She hadn’t finished speaking when the sound of arrows thudding into flesh rang out.

A chorus of screams rose.

Fang Rulai first let out a silent sigh of relief—the ones killed were those bailiffs from before, whose belts were still properly fastened; none of the women from Hundred Flowers House were harmed. But then she tensed even more—Sun Chi was as cunning as a fox! These soldiers were so skilled that not a single arrow missed or strayed—all the arrows were embedded in the bailiffs’ bodies, and though some of the courtesans were physically connected to them, not a hair on their heads was touched.

What did this mean? First, intimidation—a warning that if they tried any tricks, he could have them killed before they could utter a sound. Second, a test—to see if, in the face of imminent death, Madam Mu would blurt out the truth.

Thank goodness she hadn’t!

Madam Mu grew even more defiant. “Sun Chi, you still have some conscience. Very well—return Jin’er to me now, and I’ll conceal all your misdeeds from her on your behalf, I—ah!”

Her words were cut short by a scream.

The cause—a finger-sized dart whistled past Madam Mu’s temple, silent but deadly, slicing off a lock of her hair that drifted down onto her white gown, stark black against white, a chilling sight.

Limping Liu’s grip on his truncheon whitened beneath his sleeve. Fang Rulai had warned him—unless a fatal blow was struck, he was not to intervene, or else his young master might never be saved.

“Alright, Sweetheart, you look much better with your mouth shut!”

As Sun Chi’s voice rang out, two large red lanterns rose slowly behind him. Beneath the lanterns stood a small table, steam curling from a cup of hot tea. Amid the drifting steam, a kneeling figure gradually became clear.

Mu Zhijin!

His clothes were in tatters, barely clinging to him thanks to the blood and grime binding the scraps together. His face was unrecognizable, but there was no need for a closer look—no mother in this world could mistake her own son.

“Ah Liu!” At the sight of her son, battered and scarred, Madam Mu lost all composure. Even when he had been exiled to the brothel years ago, he had never suffered like this! Her heart ached fiercely. She called out for Limping Liu, desperate for him to save Mu Zhijin at once.

Limping Liu had already been barely restraining himself. In his opinion, a group of women storming the yamen to demand a person was hopeless; it would be better if he snuck in alone, found his young master, and rescued him. So while he seemed to be standing back timidly, he had been ready to strike. Now, at his mistress’s command, he sprang forward without hesitation.

Fang Rulai realized too late and rushed to stop him, but he was already gone.

Just as Liu leapt, another volley of arrows was loosed with a chilling whoosh, coming from all directions, striking at the airborne, defenseless Liu like a deadly winter wind.

Thank you to dear Chou Dan for the encouragement of your flowers! On this festive New Year’s occasion, Qingye sincerely presents a set of distinguished English couplets:

giantkongquietlotfardarktry, marshonyouchainjanenewbee!
Banner: happynewyear~

Also: For translations, please check the comments!
One more thing: Tomorrow, another four thousand words will be posted!

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