Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 54

54: The Second Young Master is in Trouble

Only then did Yun Jingchu realize it was already midnight—New Year’s Day, her birthday. If Tian Qingyi hadn’t mentioned it, she would have forgotten. Beaming, she accepted the small square box. “I nearly forgot! Thank you!”

“Don’t worry, from now on, I’ll remember not just your birthday but also our wedding anniversary. The gifts might not be extravagant, but it’s the thought that counts. I hope you won’t mind.” Tian Qingyi had many ideas for celebrating Yun Jingchu’s birthday, but her execution skills were lacking, and winter made things inconvenient. In the end, she simply bought a gift with her salary.

Her past failed relationships had taught her the consequences of forgetting anniversaries and special occasions. Yun Jingchu wasn’t demanding—just receiving a letter made her happy. But if Tian Qingyi forgot her birthday or their wedding anniversary, she’d deserve criticism, even if Yun Jingchu wouldn’t scold her. She’d scold herself.

For extra insurance, she’d even instructed Wei Shier to remind her in advance, fearing work might make her overlook these important dates.

To Tian Qingyi, a shared life revolved around daily necessities and trivialities. But if every day was the same, devoid of surprises or romance, life would grow dull. Unlike most couples, they didn’t have children as a buffer.

If she didn’t put effort into rituals and gestures, Yun Jingchu might grow bored within a few years, and their relationship would settle into mere companionship. But Tian Qingyi wanted to keep their love alive forever.

Yun Jingchu felt respected and cherished, her heart swelling with warmth. This is the person I chose, she thought, though she only said, “Speaking of which, your birthday is coming up too, and I haven’t prepared anything. How careless of me.”

“Your return for the New Year is the best gift I could ask for.” Yun Jingchu’s birthday was on New Year’s Day, while Tian Qingyi’s actual birthday was on the Double Ninth Festival. The current “birthday” she observed in February was the deceased son of Fan Zhuzhu—not hers or the original host. Celebrating it didn’t matter to her.

Yun Jingchu pressed, “I get a jade bracelet for my birthday, but you get nothing for yours. Doesn’t that seem unfair? Aren’t you upset?” She’d already peeked inside the box—a high-quality jade bracelet.

“Why would I be upset?” Tian Qingyi looked genuinely puzzled, leaving Yun Jingchu at a loss.

In truth, Yun Jingchu had already prepared a gift for Tian Qingyi. She’d only asked to tease her, but Tian Qingyi’s sincerity threw her off script.

Earlier, Tian Qingyi had feared Yun Jingchu wouldn’t return for the New Year. Her arrival was joyful enough. While Tian Qingyi wouldn’t say she was angry about the birthday, a twinge of disappointment lingered—after all, this was the only birthday she could openly celebrate now.

They strolled back to the county office, chatting along the way. Though they’d already eaten street snacks, they shared a midnight meal after setting off small fireworks in the courtyard before finally retiring.

They slept until noon. Tian Qingyi woke first but, seeing Yun Jingchu still asleep, decided to doze off again—until Wei Shier’s voice echoed outside: “Second Young Master… Second Young Master…!”

Tian Qingyi tried to ignore it, but Wei Shier persisted, growing louder until Yun Jingchu stirred. Half-asleep, she nudged Tian Qingyi. “He’s calling you.”

“I know. I just don’t want to get up.” Tian Qingyi, enchanted by Yun Jingchu’s drowsy cuteness, kissed her forehead instead.

“Second Young Master, there’s trouble! Trouble in Qinglong Town!” Wei Shier, getting no response, resorted to shouting louder.

Realizing this might be serious, Tian Qingyi finally roused herself. Yun Jingchu, now fully awake, glared at her as if blaming her for the disturbance.

Chastened, Tian Qingyi dressed quickly and summoned attendants. After washing up, she called Wei Shier in for a report. Yun Jingchu listened from behind a screen.

Wei Shier bowed. “Second Young Master, the village clerk from Qinglong Town is waiting outside the central hall. He says it’s urgent and looks distressed.”

“I’ll go now. Fetch Registrar Li.” Tian Qingyi stood, but Wei Shier reminded her, “Second Young Master, you’ve forgotten—Registrar Li went to Jiaxing on official business before the New Year and hasn’t returned.”

“Then summon the duty clerk to wait outside the central hall.” Tian Qingyi had nearly forgotten—the Xiuzhou authorities had requested a temporary transfer of a deputy official. With the sheriff also absent, only Registrar Li could go.

“Yes, right away!” Wei Shier hurried off, leaving Zhou Ba to accompany Tian Qingyi.

In the central hall, the village clerk delivered shocking news: before dawn, a fire had broken out in a residence. Though extinguished quickly, eight people—the entire family—had perished, their bodies charred beyond recognition.

A fire during the New Year wasn’t unheard of, but foul play couldn’t be ruled out. While Tian Qingyi had longed to handle a major case, she hadn’t wanted this—eight lives lost in an instant. Heaven was cruel.

After calming the clerk and arranging lunch for him, Tian Qingyi summoned the duty clerk to organize reinforcements, and a coroner to stay behind for some arrangements.

Normally, the sheriff would investigate crime scenes, followed by the registrar, with the magistrate as a last resort. Yet Tian Qingyi’s luck was such that her first major case required her personal attention.

Preparations took time. Returning to the rear courtyard, Tian Qingyi found lunch ready and ate with Yun Jingchu, her stomach growling from skipping breakfast.

After the meal, Yun Jingchu asked about Qinglong Town. Tian Qingyi summarized the tragedy, and Yun Jingchu, horrified, expressed sympathy for the victims’ families.

When Tian Qingyi mentioned leading the investigation, Yun Jingchu proposed joining her. “I’ll come with you. Don’t worry—I’ll handle my own business there and won’t interfere.”

“Good. We’ll go together.” Tian Qingyi had intended to ask Yun Jingchu anyway—this worked perfectly.

Once assembled, Tian Qingyi, clad in winter official robes and a cloak, set off with Yun Jingchu.

On the way, Tian Qingyi again appreciated Yun Jingchu’s company. Without her, she’d be freezing on horseback while others grew warmer.

The festive mood in Qinglong Town had soured after the fire. Some dismissed it as misfortune; others spun conspiracy theories, spreading fear.

The arrival of officials and guards reassured the townsfolk. If it was a crime, the magistrate would uncover the truth. If not, all the better.

In town, they parted ways. Tian Qingyi mounted a horse—the fire site was remote—while Yun Jingchu kept the carriage. Though Yun Jingchu wore fur, she lacked a cloak, and Tian Qingyi couldn’t bear to leave her cold and inconvenienced.

Since neither had visited Qinglong Town before, Tian Qingyi left Zhou Ba to protect Yun Jingchu, taking Wei Shier, the coroner, and guards to the scene.

The village chief, who’d cordoned off the site, sighed in relief at the magistrate’s arrival. “This humble chief welcomes Your Honor.”

Dismounting, Tian Qingyi surveyed the well-preserved scene. “You’ve done well. Report the details.”

“The family was named Zhou—middle-class. Zhou Dalang was well-liked, with no known enemies.”

If true, this likely wasn’t revenge. But only the autopsy and fire investigation would confirm the truth. Tian Qingyi ordered the coroner and guards to begin their work.