Chapter Sixteen: Cats Can Climb Trees

Since Peng Lun had already stated their purpose, Lingran certainly wasn’t about to refuse rashly—she’d watched enough television dramas to know that could get her killed! No matter what, she had to keep him calm for now.

Having made up her mind, she adopted the fearless demeanor of a revolutionary and nodded. “General, your words have truly shaken me. You’ve given my life a purpose—things will certainly be much more exciting from now on. It’s settled, then. When the time comes, how will I pass the message?”

Peng Lun replied, “When the time comes, we’ll decide how to communicate depending on your position in the Prime Minister’s Estate. Someone will relay instructions to you.”

So they already had an informant in the Prime Minister’s residence! Then why send such innocent girls in as well? Would the other selected girls receive similar missions? These two questions weighed heavily on Lingran’s mind. She couldn’t ask, but it was suffocating.

“This year’s chosen girls are all quite striking. Unless something unexpected happens, he’ll certainly choose one or two as concubines. You must befriend them now and try to become a maidservant close to the Prime Minister’s cherished consort. You see, a man is most likely to reveal what he would never otherwise say before the woman he loves. And as for women, no matter how tightly you try to keep their mouths shut, you can never seal them completely! If you flatter them well, you will surely gain something.”

Lingran could only nod meekly in assent.

Peng Lun, seeing how obedient she was when it came to serious matters, felt reassured. “You’ve been out long enough. Go back now. Before the Prime Minister’s grand birthday celebration, I’ll give you more detailed instructions.”

Lingran nodded, thinking that at least he hadn’t resorted to threats—he wasn’t too devious. Whether she managed to run away or ended up in the Prime Minister’s household, as long as she didn’t harm him, things should be fine.

After Lingran took her leave, Peng Lun curbed his excitement and sat pondering for a long time.

He recalled how the girl had actually thought he’d try to assault her—he couldn’t help but laugh! Suddenly, a strange feeling rose in his heart. He hoped she would truly just be a maid in the Prime Minister’s house. If such a clever, spirited, and principled girl were to fall victim to that old villain, he would feel uneasy.

Lingran was even more alert to her surroundings as she made her way back.

No matter how she looked at it, this Seeking Clouds Villa didn’t seem to be heavily guarded, but she didn’t see any of the dog holes so often described in books either. If she could escape successfully, that would be wonderful, but if not, what punishment would she face? Surely they wouldn’t kill her? But now that she knew such a huge secret, the chances of them killing her were very real! She would have to plan carefully.

The moment Lingran returned to the music hall, Biqing hurried over. “Where have you been? I couldn’t find you anywhere in the courtyard.”

“Just wandered around.” Lingran replied casually. Thinking of escape, she asked quietly, “Do you know what happens to runaway slaves?”

Biqing was taken aback, then said blankly, “I don’t know if it’s different between ordinary wealthy families and the powerful families in the capital.”

“What do you know, then?”

“When I was a child, I saw a pair of servants from a friend of my father’s family try to run away. Both the man and the woman were stripped naked and hung in the busiest part of the street for a whole day and night. In the end, the man died hanging there and the authorities didn’t hold the master responsible. The woman, I heard, later drowned herself in a well.”

“Really?” Lingran’s resolve to escape wavered. If even ordinary rich families treated their slaves so cruelly, what about those with real power—eunuchs from the Western Depot, high-ranking officials? For them, killing someone was as easy as crushing an ant.

“Why are you asking about this?” Biqing eyed her curiously.

“It’s nothing.” Lingran tried to hide her feelings. “How did your music practice go just now?”

Biqing’s mood instantly fell. “What do you think? There are so many talented people here. I only know the basics—can’t even get through an entire piece without a mistake.”

“Sounds like you’re not doing much better than me.”

Both girls laughed, just as Yu Jun announced the end of today’s practice.

All the girls stood up, expecting another lesson, but Yu Jun smiled gently and said, “I’ve discussed with Madam Xu and the others. That’s all for today. You’re free to stroll around the courtyards as you wish.”

Everyone cheered. Lingran, who’d been looking for a chance to talk with Yuan’er and Biqing, happily pulled the two of them aside for a chat.

Yuan’er looked uncomfortable. “You two go ahead. I’m not feeling well—better rest in my room.”

“You’re not sick, are you?” Lingran suddenly remembered how frightening illness was in ancient times, with such poor medicine, and she grew worried.

“No,” Yuan’er blushed but didn’t hide the truth. “My monthly flow started, and my stomach hurts. I just want to lie down. You go ahead.”

Lingran blinked, finally realizing she meant her period, and it seemed she suffered from cramps. There were no sanitary pads here, of course. She vaguely knew that something else must be used instead, but couldn’t quite remember what. If she asked, the others would surely be shocked. Then, an idea struck her—she grinned slyly to herself.

Yuan’er ignored her silly expression and waved goodbye. Biqing stared at her. “What are you laughing at?”

Lingran thought, When I get my period next time, I’ll pretend it’s my first. I’ll act terrified, and then you’ll have to teach me what to do, won’t you?

Feeling clever, she beamed. “Let’s go! We haven’t had a chance to explore the gardens since we arrived.”

Biqing nodded. Suddenly, a timid voice sounded behind them: “May I come with you?”

They turned to see Wu Yunxian.

Lingran reached out her hand. “Why would you even ask? Of course you can—come on!”

Li Tangmei glanced at Shen Zhu and Xu Shanquan walking together, then saw Luo Xianghong following Mo Han, and Mo Suxian rolling her eyes and leaving alone. She smiled and joined them. “Count me in, too.”

Lingran had always liked her gentle nature. Now that there were four of them, she was delighted. “Looks like our group is the most popular!”

The girls, infected by her cheerfulness, all laughed like spring flowers in bloom.

Chatting and laughing, the four of them made their way to the pond where they bathed at night.

By night, the place was pitch black and hard to see, but in daylight, it was beautiful. The lake was crystal-clear, the banks were ablaze with flowers, lush grass covered the ground, and across the water, birds chirped and hopped among a stand of bamboo.

Lingran sensed that Li Tangmei and Wu Yunxian weren’t truly happy. Both were orphans, their fates uncertain. Though Lingran’s body had relatives, she herself had come to this world alone—she felt a kinship with them. “Let me tell you a joke,” she offered.

Wu Yunxian’s eyes lit up, Biqing perked up, and Li Tangmei smiled gently. “Go on—tell it!” Biqing urged.

“Just so you know, it’s a bit risqué. Are you sure you want to hear it?” Lingran grinned mischievously.

The others had never heard such jokes. Li Tangmei hesitated. “Maybe you shouldn’t.”

But Biqing and Wu Yunxian were even more curious, though too shy to push her. Their expressions were comical.

Lingran squinted. “Since you told me not to, I have to!”

Li Tangmei wasn’t truly stopping her; she covered her mouth, giggling, letting Lingran continue.

Lingran stretched out her legs and began:

“In the forest, the animals held a grand meeting, with the monkey presiding. Whoever answered the questions fastest and correctly would win the lion king’s generous reward.

The monkey began: ‘Can cats climb trees?’

The eagle quickly replied, ‘Yes!’

‘Give an example,’ said the monkey.

The eagle, with tears in its eyes: ‘Once, while I slept, a cat climbed the tree… and that’s how we got owls.’”

When she finished, the other three girls stared at her in confusion. After a moment, they understood. Li Tangmei spat at her, Biqing playfully punched her, and Wu Yunxian blushed and lowered her head.

How adorable! Lingran thought. In modern times, this wouldn’t even count as a dirty joke. These girls were so pure, so delightful! She laughed heartily.

By the gate, a man stood, petrified.