Love in Red Dust

Dingyi let out a long breath. "Finally done. Soluntu doesn't seem like a tough character, but that Lord Yue is harder to handle."

"Caught that, did you?" He smiled as he lifted his robe to step inside, speaking while walking. "Yue Kundu has eyes and ears everywhere. Having been in this business for so long, he's what we'd call a slick operator from the capital—his mind's full of more holes than a sieve. He's the one who really runs the Suifen River Slave Market. Pushing Soluntu forward this time was just because he couldn't figure out our background—using someone else's influence to move his own goods. Did you really think Soluntu had the resources to produce a hundred strong laborers all at once? He's just a front for Yue Kundu! Soluntu only gets thirty percent, while that Yue fellow takes seventy. I've had it all figured out for a while."

"That Yue Kundu is really something, calmly watching from the sidelines while letting others take the fall for such a big deal. Isn't he afraid it'll go wrong?" She tilted her head in thought. "Besides, if he can't figure out who we are, he should've just turned us down flat. In their line of work, success isn't always shared, but failure definitely is. Is a thousand taels worth taking such a big risk?"

Hongce nodded. "Everyone should stay alert. Better safe than sorry—who knows if they'll try to make trouble at the last moment."

Sitting in the armchair, Dingyi sighed. "I remember last time when Seventh Lord paid for those birds and the slippery one—three little tricksters cost three thousand taels. Look at the comparison—people aren't even worth as much as a mule. Young men in their prime, barely ten taels each. It's heartbreaking to think about."

Hongce said, "Ningguta lacks everything except slaves. Those who commit serious crimes are exiled here from all over. Some are punished along with their entire families—whole households demoted at once. The manor heads and armored soldiers at the Imperial Manors aren't stupid either. They pick young women and... well, marry them to have children. The children born are still slaves, just like the hereditary servants of banner families—passed down generation after generation."

"Can they start families too? Banner family servants can live independently—that's not bad."

He chuckled. "Nothing that good! Slaves have criminal status, while hereditary servants are commoners who can even become officials. These female slaves are kept in one place when pregnant and left to raise the children alone after birth—they hardly ever see the fathers. The next year, they're matched again, get pregnant again, and it goes on like that."

How is that any different from breeding livestock? Dingyi was stunned for a moment before sighing. "My wet nurse was truly kind. I should go kowtow at her grave a few more times when I get back. If not for her, I'd be in the same situation as them now, and I'd never have met you."

Just then, Ha Gang came in from outside and bowed. "Reporting to the master, this servant has found out where the Aha are hidden. That area used to be a military camp, but after the court reforms, the Meile Zhangjing led his troops to relocate to Jilin Wula, leaving the barracks empty. But there's one thing this servant doesn't understand. For someone as cautious as Yue Kundu, he's been unusually careless this time. Though he didn't let us see when he brought the people out, just now when he doubled back, he spoke clearly outside the shed. The Aha were all smuggled out from the Ningguta garrison—not just exiles, but also soldiers who were sent there as punishment."

This was unexpected. Hongce was startled. "There are soldiers too? That's far too bold."Ha Gang replied, "Those conscripted into the army were never treated as regular soldiers in the camps, bullied to death by the veterans. Most of their families were useless, who could plead for them? The meek ones were trafficked without daring to resist, while the tougher ones had their tongues cut to silence them. Mutes still worked, fetching prices no lower than the able-bodied. Whether the Yue family's slip was careless or intentional is unclear, but why drag Soluntu into this by such roundabout means?"

Hongce stood up and paced the room, pondering, "If so, we'll see if they're friend or foe. Keep watching these next few days..." He fiddled with the longevity jade plaque at his waist, murmuring, "This matter might not be so simple. No one in Suifenhe could explain the origins of someone like Yue Kundu. Did he fall from the sky? Impossible! Judging by his features, build, and mannerisms, he seems more like someone from the Central Plains. Investigate thoroughly—dig up every detail about his background. There might be some powerful hidden connections behind him."

After Ha Gang left on his orders, Hongce turned to glance at Dingyi. Seeing her troubled expression, he comforted, "It's nothing serious. Give me a smile."

Standing face to face, he reached out and gently shook her arm. Distracted, she said something felt off about Yue Kundu, though she couldn't quite articulate it. A vague unease made her whisper, "That Yue fellow struck up a conversation with me earlier—his tone was odd, and I sensed something calculating about him. Be careful dealing with him; don't let him scheme against you."

He raised an eyebrow. "What did he say to you? Did he take liberties?"

This man had grown oddly possessive lately, jumping to conclusions over nothing. She denied it, "He didn't even know I'm a woman—what liberties could he take? Honestly, it was nothing much. Just kept probing—asked how old I was, where I'm from, things like that."

He gave a noncommittal hum. "Daiqin has returned to Ningguta to mobilize troops. Once we round them all up, whether he's a saint or a demon, I'll make him talk."

She stared blankly. "Beat him? Until he confesses?"

He smirked. "That's one way. Back in Khalkha, it was like that—the people there were fierce, hard to handle. If you questioned them gently, they wouldn't even look at you. I was more hot-tempered then, not as patient as now. If they wouldn't talk, we resorted to torture. Not for quick results—some people are just stubborn; you have to wear them down."

So she realized she didn't truly understand him. Exiled to Mongolia as a child, he returned a decade later and was enfeoffed as a prince—how could such a man be transparent? Beneath his affable surface lay his own calculations. He was kind but not to be trifled with. Sometimes, even when he stood before her, he felt distant—visible on the outside, inscrutable within.

Noticing her distraction, he softened his expression and nudged her gently. "What's wrong? Did I scare you?"

She shook her head. "No, just worried."

He chuckled. "You women are all alike. That's why men dare not tell you the whole truth when trouble arises outside—a sesame-sized loss becomes a fist-sized hole in your retelling. I know what I'm doing. I've handled plenty of cases. Official business follows procedures—it's not me fighting tigers alone; many share the burden."

She thought of the lord they'd left behind in Ningguta and teased, "You mean Seventh Lord?"He chuckled, "Seventh Lord? You could say that. When I earn merits here, he gets half the credit, but if there's any trouble, he has to bear the responsibility too."

She dared not imagine Seventh Lord's current situation, shrinking her neck and mumbling, "I sneaked out this time—will he break my legs when I go back? Seventh Master has long been itching to deal with me. He’d definitely punish me."

He didn’t respond, turning instead to look at the lampwick. After burning for a long time, a flattened bulb had formed at the top, flickering like a miniature lingzhi mushroom. The flame danced wildly, so he took up the scissors to trim it. A frail little flame clung to the blade, gradually cooling into a black corpse. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the spent wick far away, then turned back to place the scissors where they belonged, casually remarking, "If he truly hated you to the extreme, he’d strip you of your banner affiliation. If his Feather Banner doesn’t want you, my Merchant Banner would gladly take you in."

He had his own considerations. Dingyi sometimes felt she was overthinking things. Since her heart leaned toward Twelfth Master, and he was powerful, he would never let her suffer any grievances.

Outside, a waiter called out, announcing that the meal was ready and asking whether the masters wished it delivered to their room or if they’d prefer to dine in the main hall. Dingyi waited for his decision. He lazily replied, "The hall is crowded and noisy—hardly a peaceful meal. Have them bring it in. Let’s finish quickly and rest early. I’m tired."

After speaking, he cast her a fleeting glance, his gaze complex and laden with unspoken words. Dingyi’s face burned hot, and she hastily turned to relay his instructions to the attendant. Once done, she stood awkwardly by the door, unsure what to do. He pressed his lips into a faint smile and asked gently if she was tired. Seeing her dazed expression, he sighed. "You’re still afraid of me. You don’t truly like me."

She hurriedly denied it, forcing a smile. "How could you say that? Of course I know who I like!"

"Then do you like me or not?" He leaned in, his handsome face suddenly close, his eyes reflecting the bright candlelight on the table. Taking her hand, he pressed her again, "Do you like me? Hmm? Tell me, do you like me or not?"

Dingyi, flustered by his persistence, covered her face. "Shouldn’t I be the one asking that? Since when do men chase after others asking if they’re liked?"

Her hands covered her face well, leaving only the crimson curve of her lips visible between her palms. Stirred, he leaned in and kissed them, pestering her relentlessly. "Then ask me. Why have you never asked me?"

"If you feel it, why wait to be asked? Can’t you just say it yourself?" She turned away, her heart pounding like a drum. This question had troubled her for a long time, but she’d never found the right moment to voice it. When someone occupied your heart, there was no need to keep speaking of it—doing so too often might dull the feeling. So she preferred he kept it hidden. The longer it stayed hidden, the more precious it became.

He found it amusing. Lately, he’d done so many childish, ridiculous things—competing with Seventh Master, sneaking around behind his back. All the foolishness of his life combined couldn’t compare to these past few months. How much more did he need to express? Short of cutting out his heart, he’d done everything. Among his brothers, he was the more reserved one. His feelings toward someone weren’t decided overnight—blind declarations of love weren’t his habit. But once he took action, it meant he was certain, and he wouldn’t easily change his mind. Yet she wasn’t like him. The time they’d known each other wasn’t exactly short, but neither was it very long. She still had her doubts about him.He gathered his thoughts, wanting to tell her how much he liked her. Coincidentally, the shop assistants brought in the food and wine, three or four of them filing in with the Eight Great Bowls of Halal Cuisine. Looking over, there was stewed goat meat, braised yak beef, all dishes favored by the local Hui people.

Dingyi, seeing the lavish spread on the table, clapped her hands and said, "These folks really know how to eat. Such extravagance on the 29th of the twelfth month—what will they have for New Year's Eve?"

Just as they were about to sit down, more assistants came in with wine pots and cups, setting them out one by one—three cups and three pairs of chopsticks. Dingyi was puzzled. Ha Gang and the others had all been sent away, so why was there an extra set? She was about to ask when a long leg stepped through the door, clad in a black leopard cape, the gold and silver embroidery on the four-slit robe beneath shimmering brilliantly. Looking up, it was Seventh Lord!

Both of them froze. Why was he here? Twelfth Master could only feel exasperated. He had been working hard since the investigation at the labor market, and now, just as it was time to wrap things up, this troublemaker showed up. It was no exaggeration to say he was a man blessed with good fortune.

Seventh Lord unfastened his jeweled collar clasp and glanced down at them imperiously. "Well, well, having a grand time here, leaving me alone in Ningguta digging up corpses. Twelfth Master, your calculations are quite something."

Hongce despised him and didn’t bother hiding it. He had always disliked his frivolous demeanor, and now he was here asking for trouble. Who could blame him for being annoyed?

He gestured to the opposite seat. "Since you’re here, Seventh Brother, take a seat. As for 'grand time,' I can’t claim that. I’m here on official business, not idly sightseeing."

"Then why keep it from me?" He glanced at Mu Xiaoshu and pointed at her. "And you even took my people with you, sneaking off before dawn. Anyone would think you two eloped!" Seeing her standing there dumbly, his anger flared. "Sit down, you ungrateful wretch. Enjoying your little adventure? If not for my men finding out Lu Yuan was ordered to mobilize troops, I wouldn’t have known Prince Chun of the First Rank had come to Suifenhe... Hey, I ask you, do you feel even a shred of guilt? After all I’ve done for you!"

Dingyi had no retort and nodded repeatedly. "This servant has wronged her master and is too ashamed to face you."

What kind of answer was that? Not a hint of remorse? Seventh Lord glared at her in frustration but ignored her, turning instead to Twelfth Master. "So, how’s the case? Any leads?"

Hongce set aside personal grievances for the moment and recounted the entire sequence of events, including the intelligence Ha Gang had gathered. Seventh Lord sipped his wine and said, "We should look into this man’s background. He doesn’t seem like an adversary—might be someone’s subordinate, planted in the labor market to relay information."

Hongce agreed. "I’ve already sent people to keep an eye on him. If he’s one of ours, we won’t wrong him. But if he’s a professional playing tricks, those in this trade are full of schemes!"

Seventh Lord hummed. "Like you? Seemingly a decent fellow, yet always doing things that make no sense?"

Who was he talking about? Hongce was left speechless, finding it both infuriating and laughable. When it came to being unreliable, who could outdo him? And here this lord was, slapping labels on people and stirring up trouble without hesitation. With a resigned expression, he poured him a cup of wine. After some thought, he decided certain things needed reiterating and said patiently, "Seventh Brother is a man of understanding. Sometimes, yielding a step is the grace of a gentleman. To stubbornly persist when the path is impossible—isn’t that the height of folly?""Don't you go spouting Eight-legged Essays at me," Seventh Lord replied with great bravado, turning to Xiaoshu. "Shu'er, eat up quickly. Once you're full, go back to your room. Such a grand Prince, yet can't figure out how to find an empty room? Just taking three rooms like that—who do you think you're fooling? Our Shu'er is simple-minded, don't take advantage of her honesty. A grown man squeezing onto the same kang with a girl—what exactly are you trying to do? If I hadn't come today, would you have... huh?"

Dingyi wished she could dig a hole and bury her head in it. What could have been a rather suggestive situation had turned into this in Seventh Lord's mouth.

Hongce's face flushed crimson too. "Seventh Brother, these words..."

Seventh Lord raised a hand. "I'm speaking plain sense—surely you understand. If I'm right, don't be ashamed; if I'm wrong, don't take it to heart. Men and women should maintain propriety—you should know when to keep your distance. After all those years studying Confucius and Mencius, don't you know this principle? You nearly became a criminal! And it was me who saved you from dire straits. No need to thank me—it's my duty. After all, we're brothers!"

He was just being deliberately difficult. Hongce felt a knot of frustration in his chest, watching Dingyi silently push rice around her bowl without eating much. Both of them were thoroughly unsettled by his antics. He wanted to argue back but held his tongue, not wanting to embarrass her further.

Dingyi couldn't stay any longer and soon finished her meal. Truthfully, she was angry too. How many times had Seventh Lord barged in just as she and Twelfth Master were sharing tender moments? This wasn't affection—it was outright hostility. Disgusted, she wiped her mouth and stood up, glaring fiercely at Seventh Lord, who shrank back slightly. "What's this? Planning to eat me alive? Such audacity!"

Ignoring his theatrics, she demanded, "How many rooms did you ask for?"

He said, "I drove someone out and took a single room. Don't worry about me—I'm fine. Let's swap. Tonight, I'll sleep with Old Twelve."

Twelfth Master's mouth twitched. "The kang is small."

"No matter, I sleep neatly." Seventh Lord smiled sweetly, his voice softening. "Shu'er, you must be tired from waking so early. Get some hot water to wash up and rest early, alright? Be good."

Dingyi's anger surged like a mountain. Suppressing her voice, she growled, "I love Twelfth Master!" Then she turned and stormed out.

Seventh Lord froze, taking a long moment to process her words. When it finally sank in, he nearly collapsed. "That shameless girl! Daring to scowl at me? Spoiled her too much—now she doesn't know her place..." Turning to Old Twelve, he saw the man's face lit with joy, holding his wine cup in a way that was utterly infuriating. It made him even more upset. "All nonsense! She caught a chill on the road—her mind's addled from fever. Have a doctor prescribe some medicine—a couple of doses will fix her right up. 'Love Twelfth Master, love Twelfth Master'—since when is that proper talk for a girl? A child like her, what does she know of love anyway?"

Dingyi hadn't gone far. Ignoring the stunned looks from Seventh Lord's guards, she pressed her ear against the door curtain to eavesdrop. She heard Twelfth Master say, "Seventh Brother, let's make a deal."

Seventh Lord was annoyed but still humored him. "Go on."

"How many Princess Consorts do you currently have in your household?"

"One Secondary Wife, three Concubines," Seventh Lord said. "Why do you ask?"Twelfth Master adopted a more earnest tone, "Seventh Brother, can't you show some compassion for your younger brother? I'm turning twenty-four this New Year, and my household still lacks a proper mistress. How can you bear to see me live such a lonely life? You already have four princess consorts—one more or less makes no difference. Why not yield to your younger brother? Xiaoshu has suffered in the past, and I want to treat her well. In Prince Chun's residence, there are no other women to bully her. But you already have four, each ruling their own domain. Dividing territories would only cause internal strife—why stir up trouble?"

Seventh Lord seemed to genuinely consider this, pausing for a long moment before replying, "I could arrange a separate residence for her outside. There’d be no conflict."

Twelfth Master set his wine cup down with a sharp clink. "You’re competing with me just to make her a kept woman? How is she inferior to any of your consorts that she must be hidden away?"

Seventh Lord appeared never to have thought of this. "What else can be done? Her background is what it is. Openly bringing her into the residence would be difficult..."

Twelfth Master sneered, "If you truly loved her, you wouldn’t care about such things. I won’t say more, but let me make one thing clear: if I marry her, she’ll enter through the main gate in a grand procession. If you can promise her the position of Principal Wife, then come and compete with me. We’ll settle it fairly, and even if I lose, I’ll accept it wholeheartedly. But if this is just a passing whim of yours, I urge you to reconsider. If you go to such lengths to take her only to relegate her to a concubine’s status, I’ll assume you’re deliberately provoking me. Then, any rift between brothers would be on you."

Dingyi, listening outside, felt her nose sting with emotion. Twelfth Master’s stance had a purpose—as long as Seventh Lord agreed, no matter who won, her position as Principal Wife would be secured. But what was her situation? Forcing it would only be an unrealistic hope. She appreciated his kindness. She had told him before that she’d be willing to follow him even without status—she valued him as a person, for he truly cared for her.

She thought for sure Seventh Lord would have no rebuttal this time. Knowing his limits and retreating would be the wise choice. But no—Seventh Lord was ever the maverick. He thumped his chest and declared, "You dare set such terms? Who’s to say I can’t match them? It’s settled then—we both promise her the position of Principal Wife. Whoever backs out is a cowardly scoundrel!"

Dingyi broke into a cold sweat, stumbling back two steps before collapsing to the ground.