Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Spring Well

The Spring Well was certainly not a well for drawing water to drink! From the highest heavens to the underworld below, this so-called Spring Well was actually the Guo family’s torture chamber!

Guo Mian was a close confidant of the King of Jiangxia, far more than a mere merchant. Thus, within the mansion were intelligence agencies like the Boat Pavilion and judicial organs like the Spring Well. Though small in scale, the household was complete in every essential, leaving nothing lacking.

Shi Shu sat cross-legged on a folding chair, wrapped in a thick cloak, being carried through a winding, dimly lit stone stairway, slowly descending into the depths below. An occasional cold draft swept by, yet she seemed unaffected by the chill. Covering her mouth, she suddenly coughed violently, the hollow chamber echoing with dull reverberations.

“When Xu You and his group passed by, where were you?”

Thud!

Yang Ernu trembled all over, falling to her knees, tongue tied, unable to utter a single word. Shi Shu’s expression remained calm and unreadable, neither pleased nor angry, without the slightest hint of impatience, quietly awaiting her response.

A maid beside her frowned and said, “The lady asks where you went—answer quickly!”

Only then did Yang Ernu timidly glance at Shi Shu and stammer, “I... I went into the forest... to relieve myself...”

The maid flew into a rage. “You worthless dog! How dare you speak such nonsense before the lady? Guards, cut out his tongue!”

Terrified, Yang Ernu frantically banged his head on the floor, blood spurting like a spring, yet as if unaware, he pleaded, “Lady, have mercy, have mercy...”

Shi Shu remained silent. Two fierce retainers immediately stepped forward, dragging Yang Ernu away. Moments later, a scream pierced the air before all fell silent.

“Bring in Liu Wuzi.”

Liu Wuzi, in contrast, stood upright before Shi Shu, not kneeling, nor showing a trace of fear.

The maid was about to lash out, but Shi Shu waved her hand. Understanding, the maid closed her mouth and stepped back submissively.

Shi Shu looked up at Liu Wuzi. “Yang Ernu went to relieve himself. Where were you then?”

“I didn’t go anywhere. I just fell asleep.”

“Oh, you fell asleep? Were you on duty that night?”

“No.”

“If not, why did you sleep while on duty?”

“I... I’ve been ill lately, not feeling well, lacking energy.”

The maid leaned close to Shi Shu’s ear, whispering, “It’s been confirmed. Last night he gathered others in his room to gamble, staying up until the third watch.”

Shi Shu said coldly, “Whatever the reason—whether gambling or illness—leaving your post during duty, leading to such severe consequences, is an unforgivable crime. I cannot spare you. But rest assured, your family will be taken care of by the household after you’re gone.”

Liu Wuzi trembled violently, his face suddenly as pale as paper, his hands uncontrollably shaking. He shouted fiercely, “Shi Shu, how dare you? I’m an elder who has served the Lady since childhood. Even the Lady calls me ‘Fifth Brother.’ Just because you’re a mere maid, you dare to kill me?”

“Liu Wuzi!” Shi Shu’s expression turned grim for the first time. “If not for your age, why should I waste words with you? The household has its rules. No matter who you are, if you break them, you shall be punished. Not even Bai Hua or Qian Qin are exempt!”

Liu Wuzi grew flustered. When he was brought here, he still harbored hope that, out of respect for Madam Zhan, he might avoid punishment—at worst a scolding. But he never imagined the matter was grave enough to cost him his life.

The peril at the Cliffside Waterfall was indeed serious, but no one had dared trespass there for a long time. So, momentary negligence combined with exhaustion emboldened him to lie down in the bushes and fall asleep. Had he known his life would hang by a thread, he would have bitten his tongue and stayed on guard.

But there was no remedy for regret. Seeing Shi Shu’s resolute heart, he abandoned his elderly status, his legs giving out as he fell to his knees, begging, “It’s my fault, it’s my fault. Lady, please consider my years of service to Madam. Though I have no merits, I have endured hardships. Spare me this once, spare me this once...”

Shi Shu shook her head. “If you had stood your ground, I might have respected you more... Guards!”

Several retainers obeyed, moving to seize Liu Wuzi. A cornered man bites, and Liu Wuzi was no exception. Slamming one hand on the ground, he leapt into the air, shouting with rage, “If I’m to die, I’ll take you with me!”

Selected to guard the Cliffside Waterfall, Liu Wuzi was a skilled warrior among the Guo household retainers. His desperate counterattack was extremely sharp. The guards reacted swiftly, drawing their blades and striking from behind, trying to block him, but he had the advantage and was too quick.

Shi Shu sat calmly in her chair, unmoving, her tranquil eyes watching as Liu Wuzi approached. With a fierce roar, he formed his fingers into a claw, aiming for Shi Shu’s throat. The wind from his fingers cut through the air with deadly intent; a hit would be fatal.

At that moment, the maid beside Shi Shu stepped diagonally forward, blocking his strike. With a swift motion, her slender, jade-like finger flicked out like lightning, striking the center of Liu Wuzi’s palm.

Bang!

Liu Wuzi flew backward, a gaping hole torn through his palm, blood spraying out and soaking his clothes and the floor. Before he could regain footing, several blades struck simultaneously at his neck, chest, and abdomen. Wavering, he screamed hoarsely, “Shi Shu, even if I erred on duty, it’s not a death sentence. You just want to purge us elders of the Zhan family, don’t you? Kill me... just try to report this to Madam...” He died on the spot.

Shi Shu sighed. “Bury him properly. Jinxiu, inform the household that Liu Wuzi’s family will receive one tael of silver monthly. Do not neglect them.”

“Yes, Lady!” Jinxiu’s beautiful eyes swept the room with a hint of killing intent. “Lady, the bloodstains here are heavy. I’ll escort you out first.”

Shi Shu nodded. The chair was lifted again, and her figure vanished beyond the door. Jinxiu glanced back at the retainers left behind, her lovely face clouded with deadly resolve. “Liu Wuzi broke the rules first, refused to accept three months’ hard labor as punishment, and nearly took the Lady’s life. He was rightfully struck down. Do you all remember?”

The retainers exchanged glances and replied respectfully in unison, “We remember.”

Jinxiu hurried after Shi Shu, joining her side. “Everything’s arranged. Even if Madam asks, it was Liu Wuzi who acted first. He deserved his fate.”

Shi Shu closed her eyes, saying nothing. Jinxiu smiled, sealed her lips, and followed silently as they slowly left the Spring Well. Behind them, two lives remained forever in that place, along with a pool of blood that seemed never to dry.

The Spring Well never flowed with water—it always ran with blood.