Chapter 40 : Who is Jiang Shiqiu?

Before arriving in Yunjing, Ji Yu had already mentally prepared herself for her situation.

Thus, being sent to the National Master’s residence, where she was ostensibly a guest but in reality under house arrest, was not surprising. She resolved to adapt and handle any situation that arose.

However, she didn’t expect that the very next day, a guest would come to the National Master’s residence to see her.

Ji Yu was arranging the flowers Jiang Shiqiu had picked for her that morning, still vibrant and beautiful. She asked, “May I ask who wishes to see me?”

“It is His Highness the Crown Prince,” the maid reported softly.

Ji Yu paused, a realization dawning on her.

Given the National Master’s special status, no one would dare intrude upon the residence, let alone seek her out, the vessel for the demon. However, as the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, even the National Master would show him some respect. If the Crown Prince wished to see her, others would not be able to obstruct him, and the National Master’s residence would certainly give him some courtesy.

Ji Yu was curious about what the Crown Prince might want.

After placing the flowers in a vase, Ji Yu instructed the maid to help her change clothes.

That morning, members of the Demon Division had come to the National Master’s residence looking for Jiang Shiqiu.

Given Jiang Shiqiu’s position, staying at the National Master’s residence was indeed presumptuous. However, since the National Master had not spoken against it, the staff of the residence dared not say anything.

As the commander of the Demon Division, Jiang Shiqiu could not remain completely disengaged now that he was in Yun Jing. So early in the morning, the DemonDivision had sent someone to call him.

Though Jiang Shiqiu had initially ignored the matter, seeing the despairing expression of the envoy from the division, a look that betrayed the tough demeanor of an elite demon suppressor, Ji Yu persuaded him to agree to visit the Demon Division.

It seemed that if Jiang Shiqiu was uncooperative, it was sufficient to feign helplessness in front of Ji Yu to persuade him.

After Ji Yu had dressed, she went to meet her guest.

The Crown Prince waited for her in a flower hall within the National Master’s residence.

The announcement was made by an eunuch with a sharp voice: “… This Ji family girl is truly presumptuous, daring to keep His Highness the Crown Prince waiting here! She, a vessel for a demon, should be condemned to death. It is only the Emperor’s leniency that allows her to stay at the National Master’s residence…”

Ji Yu’s steps faltered for a moment, but her expression remained unchanged as she continued into the flower hall.

The two maids accompanying her looked visibly disturbed, recognizing that the speaker was an eunuch from the Qianqing Palace, which meant he was a representative from the Emperor himself.

So coming to see Ji Yu today is not only the intention of the prince, but also the intention of the emperor.

Seeing Ji Yu enter, the eunuch’s harsh words were abruptly cut off, as if he had been choked.

The Crown Prince, sipping tea, looked up and was struck by the stunning appearance of the woman approaching in the bright summer sunlight. His eyes showed admiration.

Ji Yu greeted the Crown Prince with a polite nod. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince, coming to his senses, quickly responded, “There is no need for such formalities, Young Master Ji. Please, have a seat.”

The Crown Prince had come in plain clothes today, dressed simply but elegantly, with a gentle and composed demeanor.

Ji Yu took her seat and glanced at the eunuch sitting beside the Crown Prince.

Since he represented the Emperor, the Crown Prince treated him with courtesy and allowed him to be seated.

Ji Yu’s gaze briefly flicked over the eunuch before turning away as she asked, “May I ask, Your Highness, the purpose of your visit today?”

The eunuch, realizing that even though he served the Emperor, he was in no position to openly demean or criticize Ji Yu, found himself shrinking under her dispassionate gaze. The realization that she was a vessel for a demon, who could easily kill him if she wished, made him break into a cold sweat.

This was not just the eunuch’s thought, many shared it. Even though the demon had not yet descended, Ji Yu, chosen as its vessel, could not be a simple person. Her previous image of weakness might have been a ruse to deceive the world and conceal her true identity. The demon might have already bestowed power upon her, waiting for the right moment to descend.

The eunuch, now sweating profusely, dared not say another word.

The Crown Prince gave the eunuch a sideways glance, internally mocking him for his cowardice. He wondered who had sent him and whether it was to provoke Ji Yu or test the demon behind her. Would a demon really care about its vessel’s treatment?

The Crown Prince’s mind raced, but he maintained a courteous and composed demeanor, in keeping with his status as the heir apparent. He said gently, “I heard that Young Master Ji has arrived in Yunjing. My father, the Emperor, sent me to check on your well-being. I hope you are settling in well at the National Master’s residence?”

“It’s fine,” Ji Yu replied coolly.

The Crown Prince didn’t mind her aloofness and smiled, “As a guest, if there are any shortcomings in the hospitality, please forgive us.”

Ji Yu suddenly smiled, “Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m sure no one at the National Master’s residence would lack courtesy.”

The eunuch became increasingly anxious, feeling as if the words were directed specifically at him. Ji Yu’s words were sharp and cutting.

After their polite exchange, the Crown Prince took his leave.

Before departing, he addressed Ji Yu, “Young Master Ji, please feel free to stay here without concern. If anyone dares to offend you, do not hesitate to come to me.”

It seemed that the Crown Prince had come specifically to ensure Ji Yu was comfortable in her stay.

Ji Yu responded coolly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince, accompanied by the eunuch, left the National Master’s residence.

Once outside the gates, the Crown Prince climbed into the waiting carriage. Seeing the eunuch follow, he suddenly kicked him. The eunuch was sent flying and landed harshly on the ground.

Fortunately, the area around the National Master’s residence was quiet, and no one was around to witness the scene.

The eunuch felt as though his internal organs had been shifted by the kick. His chest was in agony, his face turned pale, and a nauseating, sweet taste surged in his throat.

He looked at the Crown Prince with trembling eyes, unsure of his intentions.

As the carriage was still, the Crown Prince remained seated, looking down at him with an expression devoid of any previous warmth, only coldness and indifference.

“Eunuch Fang, remember clearly who your master is. Do not overstep your bounds.”

Eunuch Fang’s face changed slightly, and he managed to rise, enduring the pain, and respectfully acknowledged with a “yes.”

The Crown Prince shot him a final cold glance before the attending servants lowered the carriage curtain, and the carriage slowly departed.

—

Ji Yu was unaware of these events. After the Crown Prince left, she returned to rest.

She first plucked a few flowers to feed the fish and entertained the bighead plump fish in the glass vase. Then she picked up a book from the desk to read.

Upon opening it, she discovered it was a medical book brought by Jiang Shiqiu. Recently, he had been frequently flipping through medical texts, leaving some marks on them.

Ji Yu couldn’t help but smile as she read through the book.

It was quite amusing that a demon would want to learn human medicine. It would be laughable if it got out.

She recalled how Jiang Shiqiu had examined her pulse the night before, pretending to diagnose her with deficiencies in vitality and blood. She couldn’t help but laugh again.

The two maids waiting nearby looked at her in confusion. Both were literate and recognized the book as a medical text but didn’t understand why it was so amusing to her.

They thought her quite peculiar.

Despite being peculiar, her disposition was very pleasant.

The National Master’s residence was the most unique place in Yunjing, and Ji Yu was the first guest to stay there.

The two maids, unfamiliar with Ji Yu’s background, were somewhat nervous when assigned to serve her, worried she might be difficult to please.

However, they found her to be a young and beautiful lady with a friendly nature, not picky at all, making their task much easier.

As evening fell, Jiang Shiqiu finally returned.

He asked with concern, “My wife, how was your day?”

Ji Yu smiled, “The Crown Prince visited today.”

Jiang Shiqiu frowned slightly, appearing somewhat displeased.

Many people understood that placing Ji Yu in the National Master’s residence was a way to have the National Master keep an eye on her.

Besides that, there might be other motives, but since the Emperor had not given any orders, everyone had wisely refrained from taking further action.

Jiang Shiqiu asked, “My wife, should we leave here? Where would you like to go? I’ll take you.” He added enthusiastically, “Don’t you like slaying demons and monsters? We can do that.”

As a demon, he was quite capricious.

Ji Yu: “…” Did you forget that you’re a demon yourself?

Fearing that he might seriously insist on taking her away, Ji Yu quickly said, “Actually, it’s fine here. It’s quite peaceful, which is good for recuperation.”

“Alright then.”

Seeing that she didn’t seem keen on leaving with him, Jiang Shiqiu didn’t press the issue. He only wanted to ensure she was comfortable.

At bedtime, he held her close and sighed contentedly, complaining about his day.

He had been summoned to the Demon Division to work.

As the Commander of the Demon Division, there was always more work than he could finish, with no time for leisure.

“… They’re a bunch of useless fools, just eating and doing nothing right. They even had the nerve to come ask me for help!” Jiang Shiqiu cursed everyone in the Demon Division.

In the eyes of the world, those iron-blooded and ferocious demon division masters were just a bunch of useless people who were incapable of doing anything in his eyes.

“I’ve already sent someone to call Jiang Chaoshan back,” Jiang Shiqiu grumbled. “He used to manage the Demon Division quite well. Even though he was reassigned, there’s no harm in him coming back to handle the duties of Commander again.”

Ji Yu: “…”

She wasn’t sure whether to feel sorry for Jiang Chaoshan or consider him lucky.

Originally, Jiang Chaoshan was doing well as Commander, but since he occupied the position, Jiang Shiqiu needed him to vacate it, leading to his reassignment. Now, even in his new role, he was still performing well, and Jiang Shiqiu wanted him back to handle the Demon Division duties once again, effectively doing two jobs.

Thinking of this, I suddenly felt that Jiang Chaoshan seemed more pitiful.

The next day, Jiang Shiqiu continued to go out.

Since there were still matters to be dealt with concerning Jiang Chaoshan, he couldn’t leave just yet.

As he was leaving, Ji Yu observed his gloomy face and the tense expressions of the accompanying Demon Division member and felt a bit sorry for them.

After watching them leave, Ji Yu leisurely fed the fish, noting that the weather was pleasant. She settled into a rocking chair under a tree, enjoying the rare relaxation.

Two maids attended her, one preparing various refreshing snacks and the other fanning her.

There was also a cooling ice jar beside the rocking chair, with mist rising to dispel the summer heat.

When the National Master arrived, this was the scene he encountered.

He watched quietly for a while before approaching.

The maids, seeing him, became flustered and hurriedly greeted him before withdrawing.

Ji Yu rose, casually adjusting her clothes and greeting him with composed elegance, “Greetings, National Master.”

The National Master’s cold face softened with a hint of a smile as he said, “How have you been these past few days, Young Master Ji?”

“I’m doing well, thank you for your concern, National Master,” Ji Yu replied honestly.

The National Master’s residence had very strict rules. The servants here were attentive and considerate, ensuring that all her needs were met food, clothing, and accommodation were all arranged properly, making it feel just like being at home, only in a different place.

The National Master’s gaze swept over Ji Yu as he said, “Young Master Ji doesn’t seem to be worried about his situation??

Ji Yu raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, “It’s not that I’m not worried, but worrying is useless.”

“Young Master Ji is an open-minded person.” the National Master remarked with approval.

Ji Yu smiled but did not respond further.

No one is born open-minded, but sometimes, you have to be open-minded.

Fortunately, the National Master did not seem interested in having a heart-to-heart talk. He got straight to the point.

He suddenly asked, “Does Young Master Ji know who Jiang Shiqiu is?”

The world seemed to fall into silence. Ji Yu felt the pounding of her own heart and a moment of emptiness in her mind. After a long pause, she said, “I’m not sure what you mean, National Master.”

The National Master’s gaze returned from afar and fixed on her once more.

He said with certainty, “You know.”

Ji Yu’s expression turned more serious. Standing in the dappled shade of the trees, she appeared elegant, like a pampered noble lady of Yun Jing, rather than a decisive demon slayer.

She seemed out of place as a demon slayer.

The National Master’s eyes seemed to look through this facade, seeing the true Ji Yu.

He sighed and took the initiative to speak, “Over four months ago, a dark star appeared in the sky, signaling a great calamity to come…”

As he spoke, Ji Yu’s eyelids twitched again.

Four months ago, she had been at the Yanyue Villa, where she met Jiang Shiqiu.

“…However, no matter how I divined, I could not understand where the disaster would come from. It wasn’t until recently, upon hearing about the events at Old Master Chen’s birthday, that I finally understood.”

He gazed deeply at Ji Yu. “The demon has descended upon the world, bringing disaster and suffering to all living beings.”

Ji Yu’s eyelids twitched once more.

“I initially thought,” the National Master continued, “that Young Master Ji was a vessel chosen by the demon. As long as you were brought to Yunjing, it might prevent the demon from descending through you, thus averting the crisis.”

The National Master sighed slightly.

“But upon meeting you, I realized I was wrong. The demon has already arrived in the world.”

Ji Yu’s expression changed drastically, and she immediately thought of many things. She looked at him directly.

“National Master, what do you mean?” she asked coldly.

The National Master said, “Young Master Ji, you are the vessel chosen by the demon, and thus you are special. If the demon has already arrived, it should come to find you to move freely in the world.”

Ji Yu remained silent.

“Young Master Ji,” the National Master’s tone was cool, like clouds on the horizon, elusive and difficult to grasp, “Given the teachings of the Ji family, I believe you do not wish to see the world fall into disaster? If possible, I hope you can cooperate with me.”