Wife is hell

Chapter 92 The Empress (6,000 words)

"You mean the woman in the painting is here?"

Master Wenhe's words struck Jiang Mu like a blow to the head, leaving him stunned on the spot.

How can this be? !
His wife's hand was on his.

The body is inside the mirage.

How could someone possibly be inside the Chongtian Temple?

Wenhe nodded slowly, his expression grave.
"This is a long story. Have you ever heard of the destruction of the Eastern Moon Kingdom?"

Jiang Mu shook his head: "Never heard of it."

Master Wenhe slowly began to speak:

"Before the spiritual calamity ravaged the land, there was a country in the north, whose national strength was second only to the Great Qian Dynasty, and it was called the Moon Kingdom."

At that time, the Yue Kingdom produced a female emperor of great talent and ambition. She unified the northern tribes with swift and decisive measures and worked diligently to bring the Yue Kingdom to its peak of power.

At that time, everyone in the world believed that there would inevitably be a war between the Moon Kingdom and the Great Qian Kingdom.

However, at this moment, a mysterious calamity suddenly struck, and the queen, in the prime of her life, died unexpectedly. Afterwards, the Moon Kingdom descended into chaos, splitting into the Eastern Moon and the Western Moon.

Queen?

Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow.

I never expected there to be such a remarkable woman.

Master Wenhe continued:

"Eastern Moon inherited most of the territory and resources of the Moon Kingdom, and its strength far surpasses that of Western Moon."

However, forty years ago, a terrifying spiritual disaster suddenly broke out in the territory of Dongyue. In just three months, almost no one in the country, whether royalty or commoners, was spared. Only a very small number of people fled to Xiyue and other neighboring countries.

The fertile plains have been transformed into a ghost town. Now, that land is barren, with no birds flying over it and not a blade of grass growing. It has become a forbidden place that no one dares to approach.

After the fall of the Eastern Moon, the Western Moon was left weak and vulnerable, and was bullied by its neighboring countries.

In order to ensure their survival, the Western Moon royal family voluntarily submitted to and allied with the Great Qian Dynasty, sending the then fourteen-year-old Western Moon princess to the Great Qian for a marriage alliance. She is now the Moon Consort in the palace.

Jiang Mu was deeply moved as he listened to Master Wenhe's story.

A supernatural disaster destroyed a country?
What kind of spirit is so terrifying?
Master Wenhe picked up his teacup to moisten his throat and said:

"After the fall of the Eastern Moon Kingdom, although the imperial court had designated that area as a forbidden zone, many sects still secretly went there to investigate, since the Eastern Moon Kingdom had once stored many precious cultivation techniques and secret manuals."

Our Chongtian Temple has also been there; the previous sect leader led several experts to investigate.

However, the sect leader never returned, and only two seriously injured elders survived. They brought back a coffin, but unfortunately, they both died from their injuries before they could say anything.

Inside the coffin lay the body of a woman and a painting.

That is, the painting you mentioned.

The woman in the painting is exactly the same as the woman in the coffin, with a disfigured face but identical body.

The new sect leader and my master have studied that painting; it's not exactly a spiritual object, but rather a medium through which to represent one. The coffin, however, is most likely a spiritual object.

Jiang Mu fell into deep thought.

So, could it be that I made a mistake?
The woman in the painting is not his wife in the Underworld?

Do not!
Jiang Mu immediately dismissed the idea.

Although the memories are fragmented, they have been married for many years, and this sense of familiarity will not be erased even if they turn to ashes.

"Could I see that coffin?"

Jiang Mu asked.

"This won't work."

Master Wenhe immediately shook his head, “The coffin is in the forbidden area, and outsiders are not allowed to enter. Even my master has no right to bring outsiders in without the personal permission of the sect leader.”

This answer was exactly what Jiang Mu expected.

Since we can't get in openly, we can only rely on the power of the Eastern Emperor's Primordial Bell.

Of course, not now.

It's too conspicuous in broad daylight.

I put on my night clothes at night and sneaked in.

In order to find out the patrol deployment and routes of the forbidden area of ​​Chongtian Temple in advance, Jiang Mu pretended to take Shi Shuangsui on a trip and walked back and forth on the outer perimeter of the forbidden area and several possible routes.

After he had done his investigation, he bid farewell to Daoist Wenhe and took Shishuangsui down the mountain.

The little girl was having so much fun that she didn't want to leave.

Clinging to Jiang Mu's clothes and howling, its little body twisted into a pretzel, refusing to move an inch.

Jiang Mu kicked him hard in the butt twice, and he finally behaved.

With tears in her eyes, she carried the big white goose down the mountain.

Passing by Mu Qingshan's residence again, they indeed saw that the patrol officers had arrived.

I didn't see Tang Jinxian.

Only Zhang Huan and Huang Kezi were directing their men to search the scene.

Upon seeing Jiang Mu, Huang Kezi frowned, snorted coldly, and ignored him.

Zhang Huan took the initiative to step forward, cupping his hands in greeting:

"Young friend Mu."

Jiang Mu asked in confusion, "What happened?"

Zhang Huan carefully observed the other person's expression, and only after finding no flaws did he say:
"The owner of this courtyard was named Mu Qingshan, a man of considerable renown. I wonder what happened here that led to his death and the destruction of the courtyard. Perhaps it's related to some kind of supernatural being. Young friend Mu, have you noticed anything amiss?"

Unlike Huang Kezi's prejudice, Zhang Huan still recognized Jiang Mu's abilities.

"It's definitely related to the Apple case."

Jiang Mu left after saying those words, taking Shi Shuangsui with him.

Zhang Huan was taken aback and frowned slightly.

Huang Kezi leaned over and asked, "What did that kid say?"

Zhang Huan watched Jiang Mu's departing figure, lost in thought:
"It seems he was at the scene when the incident occurred and possessed some crucial clues. However... he is unwilling to tell us explicitly and will likely only tell Manager Tang."

"Hmph, another stroke of luck."

Huang Kezi snorted coldly.

Zhang Huan patted Huang Kezi on the shoulder: "Don't be jealous, they're just better than us."

"I'm not jealous."

You're completely unrecognizable.

"..."

-

Jiang Mu bought a string of candied hawthorns for the fussy Shi Shuangsui, soothing her pouty little mouth all the way home, and then returned home.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, I heard my aunt Yan Wenxiu scolding me.

I went to the lobby to take a look.

Sure enough, the missing person, An Chenghu, returned.

Compared to how he looked when he left, An Chenghu now had a scraggly beard and a weathered face, as if he had returned from fleeing famine.

"What business trip? I bet you're just keeping a mistress on the side!"

"Even the county magistrate doesn't know when you'll be back, do you think I believe that?"

“I think this family can do without you. Go find your little lover and live your life. You’re always borrowing money and giving gifts to those widows, and doing chores for other people’s wives. Being a constable is quite comfortable.”

"Xiao Jiang is much better than you. At least he doesn't mess around with women, and at least he's not a womanizer."

"Get lost, don't touch me! You stink like you've been in a fox den, I don't know which vixen's body odor you picked up."

Watching Uncle An slump in his chair like a wilted eggplant, not daring to utter a sound as his wife scolded him, Jiang Mu leaned against the door frame and chuckled to himself.

Shi Shuangsui also poked her little head out, watching the excitement with great interest.

The goose also poked its head out.

The woman in green, who had been hiding inside the bell, finally emerged after sensing that there was something to eat.

He simply stood next to Yan Wenxiu and watched the drama unfold up close.

An Chenghu tried everything to appease his wife, even pulling out a hairpin from his pocket, before finally calming her down.

After Yan Wenxiu stormed off to the kitchen to prepare dinner, An Chenghu immediately dropped his fawning and obsequious demeanor and snorted coldly toward the door:
"You brat, get over here!"

The little one disappeared in a flash.

Jiang Mu coughed lightly, ignoring the teasing expression on Qingyi's face, and walked up to An Chenghu with a grin, saying:
"Uncle An, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!"

Don't try to talk your way out of this!

An Chenghu asked sternly, "What did I tell you before I left home?"

Jiang Mu looked completely bewildered and innocent.
"Instructions? What did you instruct me to do? Did you tell me to take good care of Shi Tou? He's fine, he can eat and sleep well."

An Chenghu sneered:

"You brat, don't try to fool me. I already knew about what happened during this period when I went to the county government office."

Jiang Mu sighed and said helplessly, "Uncle An, I also want to keep a low profile, but my strength doesn't allow it. Manager Tang has taken a liking to me, what can I do?"

"You've taken a liking to me? Do you think you're like me, that every girl you see is smitten?"

An Chenghu scoffed irritably.

Hmm, Uncle An is very confident.

An Chenghu softened his tone and said, "I've already understood the details, but what puzzles me is that you seem to be going too far..."

An Chenghu didn't know how to describe it for a moment.

Jiang Mu said with a serious expression:

"Uncle An, there are no outsiders here, so let me tell you the truth. Actually, I've taken a reclusive master as my teacher. She said I'm a once-in-a-million genius, exceptionally gifted, and destined for greatness..."

"Fuck off!"

An Chenghu was amused by his nonsensical words and burst out laughing and cursing.

After laughing, he looked at his nephew, whom he had watched grow up, with a complicated expression:
"Xiao Jiang, it's a good thing to stand out. But sometimes, you have to know that the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it."

Whether it's the county government office or the patrol office, it's all murky waters with no bottom in sight; one can easily get caught up in it if you're not careful.

Forget it, you probably wouldn't listen to any of this now. In short, don't think that just because you've climbed onto the high branch of Manager Tang, you can rise to the top overnight.

She is ultimately an outsider, with limited roots in Yancheng; her ability to protect you is limited.

"Don't worry, Uncle An, I know what I'm doing."

Jiang Mu chuckled and smoothly changed the subject, "Uncle An, what case did you handle in the neighboring county this time? You were gone for so long?"

An Chenghu sighed: "It's all just social obligations."

Seeing that An Chenghu seemed unwilling to say more, Jiang Mu wisely refrained from pressing him further.

……

Back in his room, Jiang Mu asked Qingyi:

"Why haven't you come out these past two days? Could it be that you're upset that I didn't do what I promised? Don't worry, I've been working on the array for refining the Ghost Pill these past two days, and it will be finished by tomorrow night."

The woman in green rolled her eyes: "I almost couldn't even become a ghost!"

"what happened?"

"I just wanted to play a trick on your sister Yujuan, but as soon as I got close to her, my soul was shattered."

Jiang Mu was taken aback, his expression one of surprise: "Impossible."

"Hehe, look at my current soul form."

Qingyi leaned close to Jiang Mu, still shaken, and said, "It's all thanks to your bell that you protected me, otherwise you would never have seen me perform a striptease for you."

Looking at her noticeably thinner soul, Jiang Mu felt puzzled.

After thinking for a moment, he guessed:
"It must have been the golden amulet on her that hurt you. You are a ghost, and that thing has a way of restraining you."

Is that really the case?

The woman in green frowned and murmured, "But I always feel... that feeling isn't quite right."

-

Late at night, Jiang Mu changed into his night clothes and headed towards Chongtian Temple. With Qingyi scouting ahead and the help of the Donghuang Taichu Bell, as well as his repeated familiarization with the route during the day, Jiang Mu made his way through without any major incidents.

Having successfully evaded several patrolling disciples, they arrived at the outer perimeter of the forbidden area of ​​Chongtian Temple.

The forbidden area is located beneath a small lake behind the temple.

The lake is not large, and its water is dark and murky, like a mirror that absorbs light.

At the end of the stone bridge in the middle of the lake stands a stone archway without a door, behind which are straight stone steps that descend completely into the water.

At the end of the stone steps lies the forbidden underwater area.

From a distance, the lake water appears to be slightly swirling, as if held up by an invisible force, suspended without falling.

Occasionally, a silver fish would dart by, its scales flashing before it was bounced back.

It seemed as if an invisible barrier separated the inside from the outside.

The array barrier that was destroyed by the Spirit Cult has obviously been repaired.

Jiang Mu took out the bell and shook it gently.

To his surprise, the "Universe Shift" technique used by Donghuang Taichu Bell could not penetrate this barrier.

Even Qingyi, who was a spirit, tried several times but was also blocked from entering.

"I underestimated the strength of Chongtian Temple. The forbidden area's barrier is indeed extraordinary. No wonder even the Spirit Sect had to expend so much effort and rely on an inside agent to succeed."

Jiang Muxin was somewhat disappointed.

It seems that sneaking in secretly is not an option; we have no choice but to use the "big soft candy" card, which is out in the open.

The death of Mu Qingshan is now clearly linked to the Apple case, and he was working for the Spirit Cult, whose target is the forbidden area of ​​Chongtian Temple...

With such a close connection, Chongtian Temple is inextricably linked to this case.

The yamen patrol's request to investigate the forbidden area is both reasonable and justifiable.

However, Chongtian Temple holds a transcendent position, being one of the ancestral temples of Taoism.

Whether Tang Jinxian, the outsider in charge, can control the situation and successfully enter the forbidden area remains to be seen.

"Fine, I'll try it tomorrow."

"I hope the gummy candy is a bit harder."

After several unsuccessful attempts, Jiang Mu had no choice but to return home.

-

The next morning, after having breakfast, Jiang Mu told An Chenghu and then went to the patrol office.

An Chenghu watched his departing figure and shook his head helplessly.
"That brat didn't listen to a single word I said yesterday."

Then, upon further reflection, he muttered to himself:

"However, Tang Jinxian is indeed outstanding in appearance. She holds a high position and has a natural charm, which is why she is attractive to a young man like Xiao Jiang who is full of vigor. It is normal."

"I just hope my daughter can return from her studies abroad soon so that this boy can settle down and not be blinded by all the temptations outside."

An Chenghu sighed and had no choice but to take the honest and simple-minded Shi Baolu to the yamen for roll call.

Jiang Mu arrived at the patrol office with practiced ease.

Since he was already a regular visitor, Jiang Mutong didn't need a pass token and entered Tang Jinxian's place without any hindrance.

The woman was bent over behind her desk, engrossed in writing something.

Today, Tang Jinxian is wearing a crimson purple narrow-sleeved short shirt, with a matching sheer long shirt over it.

A rhinoceros horn belt cinched at the waist, revealing her curves.

Because he was bending over to write, his clothes were slightly open, and a pair of living creatures could be seen at the opening.

As she wrote, a slight curve appeared.

"Did you know that something happened to Mu Qingshan's family yesterday?"

Tang Jinxian asked without looking up.

Jiang Mu knew that Zhang Huan must have told him, so he nodded frankly: "I know. I was there when he died."

“I guessed that you used your psychic abilities, otherwise you would never have happened to be there.”

Tang Jinxian continued writing, her tone calm.

Jiang Mu said, "I met him once before. We discussed philosophy, but he didn't discuss me."

Tang Jinxian paused, unable to suppress a smile:

"Mu Jiang, can you close the door before you brag, or you'll end up exaggerating yourself to the heavens? Do you even know who he is?"

Throughout Yancheng, those whose knowledge could truly surpass his could be counted on one hand.

See? Nobody believes me even if I tell the truth... Jiang Mu was too lazy to explain any further.

Tang Jinxian put down her pen and got down to business:

"Since you were there, it means Mu Qingshan is related to the Apple case. Have you found anything?"

Jiang Mu had already prepared his answer in mind, and said in a deep voice:

"In order to resurrect his deceased wife, Mu Qingshan was bewitched by the demons of the Spirit Cult and secretly helped them destroy the forbidden barrier of Chongtian Temple, which allowed the Spirit Cult to take advantage of the situation and enter the temple."

Those harmful 'apples' were the fruit of the strange fruit tree in his yard. The mastermind behind it all was a woman, but I never saw her face, nor do I know her true identity..."

Jiang Mu had no intention of taking out the letter.

After all, it contains a record of the existence of that painting.

"The Spirit Cult?!"

Tang Jinxian's pretty face turned frosty.
"If they were stirring up trouble behind the scenes and causing such a calamity, it wouldn't be surprising."

Because of her absolute trust in Jiang Mu, Tang Jinxian did not doubt his statement.

Jiang Mu pressed his advantage, saying:
“I suspect that the ‘apple’ spirit object was most likely obtained by the Spirit Cult from your temple’s forbidden area. Just in case, I suggest that we immediately enter the forbidden area to conduct a thorough investigation to see if any other spirit objects have been stolen, or if the Spirit Cult has left any backup plans.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Jinxian looked troubled.

Chongtian Temple is the ancestral temple of Taoism and the largest sect in Yancheng, with a profound foundation.

How easy is it to gain access to what they consider to be fundamentally forbidden territory for a search?
Seeing that "Big Soft Candy" seemed to be backing down, Jiang Mu quickly added fuel to the fire, feigning concern:

"Chongtian Temple holds a prestigious position, and we would not dare to disturb it with ordinary cases. However, this case involves the Ling Sect and many lives. If we let it go because we are concerned about its reputation, I am afraid that the Ling Sect will use it as a base in the future and cause even greater disasters."

At that time, others might criticize the patrol officers for bullying the weak and failing in their duties. Moreover, it would be displeasing for you, Lord Tang, and you would inevitably be blamed for oversight.

Tang Jinxian pondered for a moment, then lightly tapped the table with her fist:

"Since it involves Chongtian Temple, it should be investigated. However..."

She looked up and said:
"That place is, after all, the ancestral home of Taoism, and it is not appropriate to make a big fuss. You can come with me. Too many people will only cause trouble."

Jiang Mu was delighted and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

I'm sorry, Master Hongyuan, but I have no choice but to obey my superior's orders.

-

Tang Jinxian went back to her inner room to change into a more practical outfit, and then left the patrol office with Jiang Mu.

Just as the two stepped out of the gate and were about to board the carriage, a clear and melodious voice suddenly rang out.

"Jinxian".

Tang Jinxian looked up and saw Princess Su Meixin's carriage parked not far away.

The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a graceful figure.

Today, the eldest princess has changed her guise again to a "Taoist nun in the mortal world".

She was still veiled in white gauze.

In stark contrast to Madam Tao's charming and wild nature, she now possessed a cool and aloof demeanor, like a lotus in bloom.

"Grandpa Mucha is here too."

Su Meixin's gaze shifted and landed on Jiang Mu, feigning surprise.

Jiang Mu had a deep impression of the Taoist nun who had "groped" him in the carriage that day, and upon hearing this, he bowed respectfully.
"I have met the True Man of the Mortal World."

Su Meixin nodded in return and asked Tang Jinxian, "Where are you going?"

"Go to Chongtian Temple and investigate some cases."

Tang Jinxian didn't hide it from her best friend.

Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she said, "Oh, right, let's go together. I have something to tell you."

She planned to leverage her best friend's influence.

Others may not know Su Meixin's true identity, but the higher-ups of Chongtian Temple are certainly aware of it.

Having this princess with us might increase our chances of getting the other party to open the forbidden area.

“Alright,” Su Meixin readily agreed, smiling slightly. “I happen to have something to ask you about.”

The two boarded the carriage.

The carriage was spacious, yet it was packed full.

After all, besides the three people, there was also a ghost.

Su Meixin was dressed in the same plain white Taoist robe as Jiang Mu had seen her last time, with flowing sleeves.

Her slender waist was bound by a black silk ribbon.

This further accentuated her upright posture and ethereal temperament, making her seem like a hermit who was untouched by worldly affairs.

Tang Jinxian, who had changed into a tight-fitting outfit, wore a black short jacket and deerskin boots. The hem of her jacket was gathered, which accentuated her slender waist and full hips, exuding a mature charm with a touch of heroism.

The woman in green wore a light silk dress, her waist slender and graceful.

Her skin was as soft as spring water, a stark contrast to Tang Jinxian's plumpness.

Sitting opposite Jiang Mu, gazing at the three distinctly different styles, he was filled with emotion.

The beauty is as stunning as the scenery.

It was truly a pleasure.

Tang Jinxian was silent for a moment before speaking first: "I have already reported to the Chief Commander about Gan Yuanyuan's deliberate bullying of you."

"Ah? Oh, her."

Jiang Mu was stunned for a moment before he realized that he had been so busy investigating the case these past few days that he had almost forgotten about the woman.

He asked, "How will the headquarters handle this?"

"do not know."

Tang Jinxian revealed the truth: "Gan Yuanyuan has a godfather who works in the palace."

A godfather without any roots.

Jiang Mu suddenly realized why the woman was so arrogant and domineering.

Tang Jinxian looked at him:
"If the head of the company doesn't give me a satisfactory reply, I will go to her in person and make her apologize to you."

In the past, Jiang Mu would naturally have been dissatisfied with this result.

What good is an apology?

But after learning that Gan Yuanyuan was involved with forces in the palace, he understood that if Tang Jinxian really did this, the pressure behind her would be unimaginable. He could only say that this woman was indeed very loyal.

Thinking of this, Jiang Mu decided not to drag Tang Jinxian into the mess.

He intends to handle it personally.

Jiang Mu smiled and said casually, "No need. Actually, I exaggerated that day. It wasn't that serious. Let's just let it go."

"I knew it."

Tang Jinxian's lips curved slightly, revealing a bright and charming smile, before she became serious and said...
"No matter what, you're one of my people. I can't let anyone bully you like this. We have to stand up for ourselves. Even if I lose my position as manager, I'll still get my revenge."

Are you mine?
This sounds like someone who's being kept by a sugar daddy.

Jiang Mu muttered to himself.

Tang Jinxian glanced at Su Meixin beside her.

She deliberately brought this up in front of her best friend to subtly hint at it.

Did you hear that? Your best friend's subordinate is being bullied. As the eldest princess, are you going to help?
Su Meixin smiled, remaining noncommittal.

Halfway through the journey, she suddenly said:
"Speaking of which, the name of Master Mu reminds me of an old story. Back then, an assassin suddenly broke into the palace and almost injured the Empress Dowager. This man was named Jiang Mu."

(End of this chapter)