Chapter 144: Madame Ru
It had rained all night. By early morning, the drizzle was still falling, but fortunately there was no wind. The mist made the roads hard to see, and in the distance, the river mouth and mountain peaks were shrouded in rain and fog, everything appearing gray and hazy.
When they had arrived in the town yesterday, it was already dark, so they hadn’t been able to see the town clearly. In daylight, as they went out, they discovered that the town was actually quite lively, with many pedestrians.
Along the roadside, locals had set up stalls selling oiled-paper umbrellas, while others pushed small tin stoves selling roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes—ordinary fare, but full of a lively, rustic charm.
The mayor of Shuiniu Town arrived at the old residence early in the morning to meet Cao Yunzhao. The old man had white hair and a hunched back. Seeing Cao Yunzhao, he bowed repeatedly and called out, “Lord Cao!”
Cao Yunzhao quickly reached out to steady him: “Mayor Zhang, as I mentioned before, such formalities aren’t necessary. You can just call me by name.”
The mayor was old and missing several teeth, yet his smile was kindly. He wore a round melon-seed hat and a half-worn long robe. Only after Cao Yunzhao repeated himself twice did he hear clearly, yet he waved his hands incessantly and chuckled: “Old customs cannot be abandoned, cannot be abandoned! Lord Cao, your rank is higher than mine, and you come from the capital—a noble guest. I’m old and my legs weak, otherwise I would have accompanied you up the mountain a couple of days ago.”
Cao Yunzhao said, “The guide you arranged is very good and familiar with the mountain paths. Could we borrow him for another two days?”
The mayor nodded: “Of course. Use him as long as you need. I will follow your instructions.”
Xie Jing stayed beside Lord Bai Jiu, observing carefully. He had met such people before—mostly relics of the old dynasty, whether from north or south—people who followed old customs and protocols and often dreamed of titles and promotions.
As expected, along the way, the mayor showed great curiosity about Cao Yunzhao’s origins, asking about the capital and even feeling guilty about their hospitality the previous day: “Our town is so remote and poor. We offered so little. Please forgive us, Lord Cao.”
Cao Yunzhao exchanged polite words with him, then followed him to his office, which was called the yamen—saying it out loud gave off a certain official air.
Cao Yunzhao had lost two companions a few days prior and was anxious, caring little about formalities, wanting first to find lodging and then go up the mountain to search.
The small town was narrow and elongated. Only near the foot of the mountain did they spot the mayor’s office building.
The mayor had not built extravagantly but rather rebuilt an old stone house, located at the junction of the mountain foot and river mouth. The surroundings were somewhat tidied, though only partially clearing wild grass, with piles of stone scattered in the yard, showing signs of age.
Here, Cao Yunzhao met the guide. Seeing the group intending to ascend the mountain, the guide’s face changed, but after glancing at the old mayor, he reluctantly agreed.
Cao Yunzhao wanted to personally lead the team up the mountain, but Lord Bai Jiu stopped him: “You’re more familiar with the town and can speak effectively. Stay here to coordinate; I’ll send people up the mountain.”
Xie Jing thought for a moment: “Lord Bai Jiu, I’ll go. I’ve been in Sichuan a long time, and with Hu Da and the others, I can lead a search. You stay here with Master Cao.” He didn’t voice his last caution, only scanning the surroundings. The town seemed suspicious; he thought it wise for Lord Bai Jiu to stay and bring extra men just in case.
Lord Bai Jiu agreed, nodding: “Be careful. No matter what, descend and reunite by evening.”
Xie Jing agreed and, with Hu Da and the others, followed the guide up the mountain.
The old mayor seemed startled by such a large party, glancing out with concern: “So many people!”
Cao Yunzhao smoothed things over: “A few days ago, we lost two companions here. These are their family members, anxious to search. No offense intended—please forgive them.”
The mayor sighed, waving: “I’m old and it’s nothing, but I fear angering the mountain gods. The suffering would be theirs alone.”
Cao Yunzhao didn’t believe in spirits, replying casually.
The mayor seemed to sense his impatience, so he didn’t press further, instead asking: “Lord Cao, who exactly are the missing? So many people have come looking… are they important?”
Cao Yunzhao smiled wryly: “More than that. One is a scholar famous throughout the land, the other immensely wealthy. I couldn’t explain properly now; if they’re not found in a few days, I fear the entire town of Shuiniu will be turned upside down.”
The old mayor’s hearing was poor and slow; after a while, he murmured: “Such powerful people…”
Lord Bai Jiu asked Cao Yunzhao a few questions; he nodded, then asked the mayor: “Elder, could you do us a favor? We’ve gathered some men. Could you send someone to guide us, while we also search the town?”
The mayor looked troubled: “Few outsiders come to this town. Lord Cao, I showed you around a few days ago already.”
Cao Yunzhao said: “Yes, but we want a closer look.”
The mayor sighed: “Very well. Since you request it, I cannot refuse. But you must ensure your men do not disturb the townsfolk—they are simple country folk and easily frightened by outsiders.”
Cao Yunzhao gave repeated assurances, and only then were people sent to search the town.
Cao Yunzhao and Lord Bai Jiu stayed in the official building, waiting for news.
The mayor also remained, strictly adhering to old protocols. Though Cao Yunzhao’s rank was higher, the mayor dutifully acted subordinate, staying nearby and conversing politely.
Cao Yunzhao, from a family of three government officials, had absorbed some official etiquette himself. The mayor listened to a few sentences and flushed with interest—a true official enthusiast.
Lord Bai Jiu sat quietly, sipping tea, observing the old mayor, noting his peculiar behavior and attire.
In conduct, the mayor was cautious and people-oriented. This morning he had sent people to inquire, doing nothing unjust. In dress, he wore a half-worn long robe of an old style, clearly not enriched by his office—truly incorruptible.
Though unassuming, he was the town’s authority.
Cao Yunzhao endured the mayor’s persistent chatter, anxious but polite. When asked about future plans, he said casually: “Since I’m assigned to Meishan, I plan to do practical work—open a newspaper, a girls’ school, contribute to education…”
The mayor shook his head repeatedly: “How can girls be educated? This goes against ancestral precedents. Absolutely not; one must not disturb yin and yang.”
Cao Yunzhao: “The world outside is at war. Everyone is part of China. Gender matters little now. Talent should be nurtured, strength utilized, serving the country is what we must do.”
Shuiniu Town had been isolated for years. Though courteous, the mayor was stubborn, still shaking his head in disapproval.
During their conversation, two townsmen ran up. Cao Yunzhao stood abruptly, assuming they brought news. But they hurried to whisper to the mayor, barely glancing at him.
Suspicious, Cao Yunzhao watched closely.
The mayor, noticing, laughed: “Lord Cao, you are no stranger. Listen—no harm. I wanted you to stay a few days anyway, to share a cup of light wine.” He gestured to the townsmen to announce: “The ceremonial attire is ready, as are colored silks and lanterns.”
Cao Yunzhao asked: “Is this for a birthday?”
The mayor chuckled, stroking his beard: “I’m embarrassed. My first wife passed early. All these years I was alone. At this age, I never expected to remarry. You and your friend’s timing is fortunate; stay a few days, share a cup of light wine. A noble blessing is my honor.”
Though remarried, the mayor used full wedding rites. After briefing Cao Yunzhao, he sent people ahead to prepare.
Cao Yunzhao chuckled: “I thought he was sixty or seventy. At this age to marry… Bai Jiu, his new wife can’t be much older than fifty, right? Red decorations, ceremony—it’s really unusual.”
Lord Bai Jiu sipped tea, saying nothing, quietly waiting.
Meanwhile, on the mountain:
Xie Jing and his team followed the guide along the path, climbing and eventually locating the abandoned temple where Mr. Huang had gone missing.
The temple was dilapidated, different from Yunmeng Mountain. At the entrance stood a stone beast, half-hidden in the grass, clearly long abandoned.
Xie Jing searched thoroughly but found nothing. The murals on the walls were faded and crude, clearly painted by later generations.
After a while, Hu Da came to Xie Jing quietly: “Young master, the rain has washed away all traces outside these past two days. Nothing found.”
Xie Jing asked: “Walls, windows, and grass too?”
Hu Da: “Checked everything. The surrounding trees are low; no traces of people passing. No footprints found.”
The sky was overcast; soon, the rain continued, so they had to shelter in the temple.
The guide, a local man, small, dark, and thin, appeared anxious and timid: “The rain is heavy. We’ll have to wait before descending.”
Xie Jing asked: “Are you afraid of climbing or the mayor?”
The guide shook his head repeatedly. After a pause, he whispered: “The mayor usually treats us well, especially in recent years. If we need something, even if the mayor refuses, Madame Ru can usually persuade him.”
Xie Jing asked: “Your mayor has a concubine?” He knew some men of refined taste jokingly called a wife “like a madame” even if not formally one.
The guide: “No. The mayor was widowed for many years and only recently married.”
Xie Jing: “Then why call her Madame Ru?”
The guide: “The mayor’s new wife is named Liu Ruyi; everyone calls her Madame Ru.”
Author’s note: added a bit more content for length.
Mini-scene:
Liu Ruyi: Thanks for the invitation. I still have a small role, filming wraps soon.
