Transmigrated to the Northern Song Dynasty as a County Magistrate (GL) - Chapter 92

92: Full Disclosure Today

Though she never understood why she had transmigrated, Tian Qingyi had actively adapted to this society since arriving, living earnestly while yearning for an ordinary person’s stable life – not one shadowed by unpredictable calamities.

Despite her outwardly carefree demeanor, her spy identity remained an ever-present gloom and pressure. Now that this chapter had finally concluded favorably, her joy was undeniable.

She had desperately wanted to rush home and share the good news with Yun Jingchu immediately. But seeing Yun Jingchu’s cold expression doused her enthusiasm like icy water, forcing silence. Yet when Yun Jingchu shoved the heating pan into her hands, her fear and grievances found their outlet, bursting forth uncontrollably.

Though she’d approached the meeting with Ma Zhusege prepared to die, who would choose death when life – and her beloved – remained? At barely thirty, they still had so much to experience together.

Cradled in Yun Jingchu’s arms, Tian Qingyi wept for a long time, clinging tightly as if her lover might vanish. Sensing her emotional release, Yun Jingchu softened, quietly holding her while gently patting her back, asking nothing.

Only when Tian Qingyi finally pulled away, sniffling, did she tentatively ask: “You read that letter, didn’t you?” At Yun Jingchu’s nod, she continued: “Don’t you have questions?”

“I do. But right now, I believe you’ll tell me everything even unasked.” Yun Jingchu returned to her seat, pouring tea for them both before sipping hers.

The nearby brazier glowed fiercely, its embers mingling with orange candlelight while incense smoke curled through the room. The teapot on the small stove steamed. Drinking Yun Jingchu’s tea, Tian Qingyi felt warmth seep into her bones.

Only now did she feel truly alive again, she forgot her leg pain. The day’s tension had numbed her to the cold, but warmth now returned.

When Tian Qingyi remained silent after finishing her tea, Yun Jingchu didn’t press. After refilling her own cup, Tian Qingyi finally gestured for patience before limping to the door to check for eavesdroppers.

Returning to squeeze beside Yun Jingchu, she rasped: “Today’s words must stay between us. My earlier secrecy was wrong, today I’ll be completely honest. Mother Fan’s actual child was someone else, but…”

She revealed everything except her transmigration. Yun Jingchu listened intently, relieved to learn Tian Qingyi’s earlier words hadn’t been deception – though the original protagonist was Aunt Fan’s deceased son, not Tian Qingyi herself. She felt both grateful Tian Qingyi had been spared those early hardships, and sorrowful that even after being acknowledged by Jiufang Xin, she had received no paternal love.

Learning Tian Qingyi was actually a Liao spy, brought to Kaifeng by her handler’s arrangement – shocked Yun Jingchu profoundly. Though familiar with Khitan people and affairs, encountering one so close was unprecedented.

Imagining Khitan brutality, her heart ached for Tian Qingyi’s childhood. Hearing all Tian Qingyi’s bl00d relatives had perished, leaving only Yuchen, her pity peaked. She wordlessly squeezed Tian Qingyi’s hand in comfort.

As Tian Qingyi recounted today’s dangers, Yun Jingchu’s settled heart relived each harrowing moment. Hearing Ma Zhusege’s demands, she worried: “One cannot choose their birth – I know your heart belongs to Han. But this identity remains a vulnerability. What if he betrays his word?”

“As long as he needs me, he won’t expose me. Without exposure, it’s merely negotiation. Distance protects us – what can he truly do?” Tian Qingyi squeezed back, confident her usefulness guaranteed safety.

“Then disappearing might backfire.” Yun Jingchu disliked uncontrollable variables, but Tian Qingyi’s logic held – becoming useless could be fatal. Even resigning her official post wouldn’t erase her visibility, making her a target.

“True. But that’s worst-case. In my experience, while ruthless, he keeps his word. Serving only as informant would be my ideal outcome.”

Regarding the specific demands, Yun Jingchu feared genuine treason might reignite war, disrupting their peace.

After Tian Qingyi explained the target was a Liao traitor who would be killed regardless, and her intent to provide half-truths, Yun Jingchu relaxed.

Turning to Yuchen’s origins, Tian Qingyi disclosed everything – including Qingyu and the others being secretly-raised deathsworn. Yun Jingchu’s minor resentments evaporated upon understanding why these particular servants were so trusted.

She’d have done the same – who would risk entrusting critical matters to unknowns?

Tian Qingyi’s ownership of a tavern surprised her, explaining how she managed without frequent requests for funds beyond her salary.

Learning Shi Wan and Tian Qingyi’s sister had died retrieving Yuchen, their gravesites unknown – filled her with sorrow and resolve to treat Yuchen even better.

Remembering her earlier scolding, she worried it might have upset Yuchen and recounted the day’s events.

Tian Qingyi reassured her that as the Liu sisters’ sole descendant, Yuchen wasn’t so fragile. If concerned, she’d speak with Yuchen tomorrow.

This heart-to-heart brought them even closer, their bodies craving constant contact. Yun Jingchu’s shaken trust solidified anew.

With only one day’s leave, Tian Qingyi rose early for work next morning. Her crutches invited constant “What happened?” queries, forcing her to claim a sprain. After reporting to the Ministry of Personnel head, she requested more leave.

Seeing her heavily-bandaged leg, the minister granted ten days – fewer than desired but acceptable. Completing formalities, she hurried home.

The gatekeeper immediately reported Yuchen’s illness, and a physician was currently examining her at Yuzhu Residence. Without even changing clothes, Tian Qingyi carried herself there. Last night she’d confidently declared Yuchen fine, today’s illness stung.

The embarrassment mattered less than concern. During her postings, hundreds of letters had mentioned Yuchen’s health only twice, minor illnesses resolved quickly. She’d assumed Yuchen robust, never considering martial training. Clearly this needed rectifying – health trumped all else.

Arriving as the young physician finished prescribing, Yun Jingchu sent Wei Shier to escort him out. Seeing Tian Qingyi alight, the physician bowed: “Honored Master.”

Returning courtesy, Tian Qingyi asked: “How is my child?”

“A minor chill. Medicine will cure him in days.” The physician kept his eyes lowered. Though not his first visit here, meeting the master intimidated him.

After thanking him, Tian Qingyi entered to find Fan Zhuzhu and Li Yan exchanging surprised looks. Bedridden Yuchen watched nervously, fearing academic delays might draw reprimand.

Spotting Fan Zhuzhu, Tian Qingyi moved to bow, but the older woman rose instantly, pulling her down beside her: “Two days apart and your foot’s like this?”

“While drinking with friends yesterday, I had an accidental misstep.” Tian Qingyi’s embarrassed smile earned a glare. “Moderate your drinking! No more drunkenness!” Tian Qingyi promised compliance.

Li Yan added: “Drunkenness causes mishaps. A sprained foot is lucky, don’t repeat this.” Tian Qingyi accepted the admonishment meekly.

Yun Jingchu, knowing the truth, remained silent by Yuchen’s bedside.

Fan Zhuzhu’s questioning revealed the early return wasn’t prompted by notification, Tian Qingyi truthfully cited her leave due to injury.

Reassured about Wanyue still attending lessons, Tian Qingyi approached Yuchen. Seeing the flushed face and anxious eyes, her voice softened as she felt the forehead: “Don’t worry about studies. Focus on recovery.”

“This child understands.” Relieved at the lack of scolding, Yuchen felt unprecedented happiness despite physical discomfort. Parental presence during illness had been rare before.

“You’ve cared for Yuchen well. At my age, such disturbances exhaust me, I’ll retire.” With the physician’s reassurance and Tian Qingyi’s return, Fan Zhuzhu returned to her embroidery.

Li Yan also excused herself: “Wanyue will return soon, I must prepare.”

Yun Jingchu insisted on escorting them out despite protests, mentioning celebratory family meals after Yuchen’s recovery.

Once alone, Tian Qingyi took Yun Jingchu’s seat. Seeing Yuchen’s bright eyes, she whispered: “Would you like martial training after recovering?”

Yuchen’s eyes widened. As far as she knew, her scholar grandfather had despised martial arts, no weapons or training grounds existed at home, only literary tutors.

Confined indoors since childhood, she’d hidden during ancestral visits each New Year, Grandmother claiming secrecy ensured health per a seer’s advice. Though resentful, she complied.

She yearned for the outside world, sometimes wishing for wings. Reading chivalric tales with Wanyue had fostered dreams of knight-errantry, though she’d never dared voice them, fearing Grandfather’s disapproval and Father’s scholarly status.

Now, just as she’d abandoned those dreams, her father was offering exactly that! “Yes!” she answered instantly, beaming.

Yun Jingchu returned shortly. Only after Yuchen took medicine and slept did they instruct Ruoshui further before returning to Shangfu Courtyard.

After three days’ rest and medication, Yuchen recovered fully. With New Year approaching, Tian Qingyi and Yun Jingchu decided to reveal Yuchen’s true identity to the Jiufang clan during the festivities.