The commotion outside the gate attracted many people, but as soon as they saw the Jinyiwei standing at the entrance, they hurriedly stepped back to hide, cautiously peering from a distance.
Miss Jun, standing alone in front of the door, seemed particularly conspicuous.
Fortunately, she did not have to wait too long; the Jinyiwei did not arrest anyone and after a brief search, they left swiftly.
Only then did Miss Jun hastily enter the Wang Mansion, and the people who had been peeking around the alley dared to gather closer.
The small Wang family residence was a complete mess, the servants looked panicked, and many of them had been injured, but thankfully, the injuries were only superficial. Miss Jun first went to see Madam Wang.
There was a chorus of weeping in Madam Wang's room, and Miss Jun hurried to get busy. Thankfully, Madam Wang's life was saved, but her condition had worsened compared to before.
"These brutal and ruthless people, these brutal and ruthless people," Lord Wang said with a grief-stricken expression.
Miss Jun was silent as well.
This was her first time witnessing the Jinyiwei in action. Lord Wang, as an Adviser starting from the fourth rank, was also a high-ranking and influential official in the dynasty. She did not expect him to be treated with such indignity by the Jinyiwei.
The Jinyiwei, claiming to be acting on a decree, did not even produce the decree but went ahead with their aggressive search and ransacking of the house. Truly ferocious.
"Lord, please take care of yourself," she said softly.
"My wife's illness troubles Miss Jun greatly," Lord Wang said, holding back his sorrow.
Miss Jun acknowledged with an affirmative response.
"I can treat this illness, and I will keep my word," she said. "Rest assured, Lord."
Lord Wang nodded, sat beside Madam Wang's bed with a mournful expression, and Miss Jun respectfully took her leave.
Many people were standing outside, whispering and pointing as they discussed in low voices.
Seeing Miss Jun come out, they greeted her with a touch of sympathy.
"Miss Jun, you weren't frightened, were you?" they asked with concern.
Miss Jun nodded and thanked them.
"I heard it's about corruption."
"Was it reported by the Censor Platform?"
"Is there any evidence? They didn't find anything, did they?"
"What evidence do they need? The censor reports on rumors, the Jinyiwei search on hearsay," the people murmured amongst themselves.
Was it just a coincidence? Miss Jun walked past and stopped at the entrance of the alley, turning back to look at the Wang Mansion again.
Such coincidences do exist in the world, but when it involves a party that bears a grudge against her, Miss Jun couldn't help but give it more thought.
As it turned out, her concerns were not unwarranted. A few days later, when she visited another household for treatment, the same thing happened.
"Miss Jun, take care."
In this alley, where officials congregated, two managers respectfully saw Miss Jun out.
Most official residences here were bestowed by the dynasty, and the officials living here were of no low rank.
Although the lord of the household did not see her out personally, having two managers to do so still showed ample respect.
Miss Jun bowed to the two men.
"Please, I will have someone bring the medicine Miss requires tomorrow," she said.
"It would be too much trouble for you; we can just come and get it," the two managers said with a smile.
As they were speaking and laughing, a rapid sound of horse hooves approached, and the people around instinctively looked over to see a group of riders charging towards them.
Their attire was striking, yet it cast a shadow like a cloud over the bright and beautiful days of late March and early April, creating a stifling atmosphere on the street as everyone made way.
Miss Jun's face slightly changed, while the two managers beside her showed a hint of curiosity.
"Which family is going to be unlucky this time?" one manager couldn't help but whisper.
Before he could finish, the group of Jinyiwei came to a halt right in front of their gate, reining in their horses in unison.
The two managers were taken aback.
No way...
"Scholar Han, Han Tong," the leading Jinyiwei called out coldly. "Someone has accused you of forming cliques for selfish ends. We are here to search on decree."
Forming cliques for selfish ends?
What's going on? Who reported it?
For officials at the rank of my family's old master, they would know immediately if there were complaints or impeachments against them, but there was none of that during this period.
Before the two managers could come to their senses, the Jinyiwei had already dismounted, drawn their Jinyiwei swords, and charged in.
Chaos erupted within the Han Family estate as chickens flew and dogs jumped. Shouts, cries, scoldings, and weeping emerged from every corner.
Miss Jun stood outside the gate, motionless against the wall.
The Jinyiwei outside the gate acted as if they didn't see her, neither scolding her nor driving her away, but they also did not permit her entry. It seemed they wanted her to watch, to listen, to feel helpless and anxious.
After observing for a moment, Miss Jun walked directly towards the guarding Jinyiwei.
Seeing her approach, the Jinyiwei pointed the blade in his hand at her.
"Official business underway. All unrelated individuals, stand back," he said coldly.
Miss Jun stopped before him.
"I wish to see Lord Lu," she stated.
The Jinyiwei's gaze softened from his initially harsh demeanor, becoming gentle and humble, and he bowed respectfully to her.
"Very well, Miss Jun. Please follow me," he said.
Miss Jun looked at the Jinyiwei before her.
Indeed, this was how she remembered the Jinyiwei to be: pliant, respectful, and modest.
Watching the Jinyiwei guide the way ahead, the carriage driver couldn't help but swallow nervously.
"Miss Jun, are you... really going with him?" he asked, turning to look back.
The Miss inside the carriage responded affirmatively with a sound.
But that's the Lu Mansion, thought the driver, feeling sweat forming on his forehead as he looked ahead.
This doesn't seem right.
There had been previous marriage proposals, and Top Scholar Ning had just left the capital; now Miss Jun was rushing to the Lu Mansion. What would people think if this got out?
No matter how anxious he felt, the carriage eventually stopped in front of the Lu Mansion.
Miss Jun alighted from the carriage and saw the great doors of the Lu Mansion being opened by two Jinyiwei.
The gates of the Lu Mansion were rarely opened.
Two Jinyiwei stood by the door, bowing respectfully to her.
"Miss Jun, please," they said.
"Miss," the carriage driver called out again in a low voice, instinctively looking around, as if sensing prying eyes.
"It's okay, just wait here, don't be afraid," Miss Jun told him.
The driver was somewhat torn between laughter and tears. Was she actually comforting him? He could only watch as Miss Jun entered.
The great doors of the Lu Mansion slowly closed behind her.
It was her first time entering this place, once her home, since she had arrived in the capital.
Miss Jun paused at the entrance, gazing at the courtyard before her.
This was the reception hall, but when Lu Yunqi was not at home, she would sit here reading, because from this position, she could see him the moment he returned.
Indeed, she had once eagerly anticipated such joyous reunions with that person.
Miss Jun looked towards the building, the doors and windows wide open, letting light stream through, revealing the young man sitting inside.
Still in red attire, a red so dark it made the light seem to retreat.
She stepped down from the porch confidently and entered, her gaze briefly sweeping the interior.
The furnishings remained unchanged, and on the small desk at the side, a teapot and cup were placed as if someone had just been sitting there, sipping tea and reading.
It was her usual tea set, with her preferred tea still emitting delicate wisps of steam.
"It seems you've grasped my meaning," came Lu Yunqi's voice.
Miss Jun looked over to see him putting down a scroll, lifting his head to look at her.
"Lord Lu, I came because I don't understand your meaning," Miss Jun said.
Lu Yunqi stood up.
"What's there to misunderstand?" he said. "I'm putting you in a difficult position."