Chapter 11: Strange Happenings at the Inn, the Unpredictability of the Human Heart

Chapter 11: The Inn’s Sinister Affairs and the Unpredictability of the Human Heart

One after another, the travelers filed into the inn. In the dimly lit main hall, flickering candlelight cast wavering shadows against mottled walls. The air was tinged with a faint mustiness, mingled with the savory aroma of food.

The innkeeper, Master Sun, led the group to the counter, opened a hefty ledger, and began assigning rooms.

“Young sir, you’ll stay in Room Number Two on the Ground Floor…” Master Sun arranged accommodations for several guests before his gaze finally settled on Lin Shiya. A glint flickered in his eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled into a barely discernible sneer.

“Young man, I’m afraid you’ll have to make do with the woodshed,” he said with a derisive tone, as if bestowing charity.

The woodshed?

Lin Shiya’s brows knit together. The woodshed was dark and damp—hardly suitable for lodging.

“Innkeeper, I paid the same as everyone else. Why should I be consigned to the woodshed?”

Master Sun’s smile was all surface and no warmth. “Young man, all our rooms are taken. Only the woodshed remains. If you’re dissatisfied, you’re welcome to seek shelter elsewhere.”

“You…” Fury blazed in Lin Shiya’s chest. This was clearly deliberate humiliation!

Some of the other examinees whispered among themselves, while a few regarded her misfortune with schadenfreude.

Zhao the Second swaggered up to the counter and, in a tone dripping with mockery, said, “Innkeeper, this young man isn’t familiar with the rules. Don’t mind him. The woodshed is fine—let him stay there.”

Feigning helplessness, Master Sun sighed, “Since this gentleman insists, so be it.” He tossed a rusty key to Lin Shiya. “Here’s the key to the woodshed. Take it.”

Lin Shiya gripped the key so tightly her knuckles turned white. Glancing around, she felt a chill seep into her bones. This was no mere inn—it was a den of wolves and tigers.

“Wait…” A timid voice broke the silence.

Zheng the Scholar, face flushed with embarrassment, stammered, “Innkeeper, this… this isn’t right. This gentleman paid his silver like the rest of us. How can you consign him to the woodshed?” Though his voice was not loud, it resonated clearly in the hushed hall.

Master Sun’s smile faltered, surprised to find someone speaking up for Lin Shiya and leaving him momentarily at a loss.

The other examinees began to murmur uneasily. While some envied Lin Shiya’s talent, none felt this treatment was just.

Lin Shiya cast a grateful glance at Zheng the Scholar. She hadn’t expected that, in this cold and indifferent place, someone would stand up for her.

A spark of hope flickered in her heart. Perhaps things were not as dire as she'd imagined.

As night fell, a heavy stillness descended upon the inn.

Lin Shiya lay restless on the icy floor of the woodshed, sleep eluding her.

Suddenly, the faintest sound of footsteps approached. The woodshed door creaked open, and a graceful figure slipped inside.

A woman, draped in gauzy silk, moved with sinuous allure, her face adorned with a seductive smile. She knelt beside Lin Shiya, reached out with slender hands, and caressed her cheek.

“Young sir, in the deep of night, I find myself lonely and sleepless. Might you be willing to…?” Her voice was soft and honeyed, perfumed breath lingering in the air, imbuing the cramped room with a sense of intrigue.

Lin Shiya regarded the woman coolly, unfazed by her beauty. With a swift motion, she seized the woman’s wrist and said coldly, “Please, have some self-respect.”

The woman seemed caught off guard by Lin Shiya’s reaction. After a moment’s pause, she let out a coquettish laugh. “Why keep me at such a distance, young sir? I merely wish to…”

“To do what?” A chill voice rang out from the doorway.

Murong Fu stood there in a robe the color of moonlight, hands behind his back, his gaze sharp and glacial. He exuded an aura of untouchable authority, like an eagle soaring above the clouds—intimidating to behold.

The woman’s expression blanched. She hastily withdrew her hand and stammered, “Young master, I… I must have entered the wrong room…”

“The wrong room?” Murong Fu sneered. “I think your intentions are far from innocent.” His words were measured and cutting, each syllable a dagger to the heart.

Terrified, the woman trembled uncontrollably, unable to utter another word.

Observing the scene, Lin Shiya thought to herself: So, there is indeed a hand at work behind this.

She studied Murong Fu closely. Though simply dressed, every gesture betrayed a noble air—he was clearly no ordinary man.

“Young master, you misunderstand. I did not invite this woman…” Lin Shiya began to explain, but Murong Fu shook his head, signaling her to remain silent.

He stepped forward, looking down at the woman. “Who sent you here?”

The woman bit her lip, refusing to answer.

Murong Fu did not press her, but simply said, “You refuse to speak? Then you leave me no choice.” At his words, several guards in black surged into the room, quickly surrounding her.

Realizing her plot had unraveled, the woman broke down and pointed at Lin Shiya. “It’s her! She seduced me! She told me to—”

“Enough!” Lin Shiya cut her off sharply. “You really think I’d believe such nonsense?” Turning to Murong Fu, her gaze was resolute. “Young master, I know who’s behind this.”

Murong Fu raised an eyebrow, indicating she should continue.

Lin Shiya took a deep breath and laid bare Zhao the Second’s scheme, her calm voice precise, exposing his villainy for all to see.

“Zhao the Second, have you anything to say for yourself?” Her eyes blazed as she fixed him with her stare.

Zhao the Second’s face went deathly pale; his lips quivered, but not a word could he utter.

The other examinees joined in, condemning him until the room was thick with outrage.

Lin Shiya turned to Master Sun. “Innkeeper, have you anything further to say? Are you not going to give me a proper room?” Terrified, Master Sun nodded obsequiously, agreeing at once.

Following him toward her new quarters, Lin Shiya’s posture was upright and assured, her bearing that of a triumphant general returning from battle.

The examinees watched her go, awestruck.

“May I ask, young master…” Master Sun ventured, voice trembling, “who exactly are you?”

Lin Shiya paused, a cryptic smile playing on her lips. “Who am I? You will soon find out…”

Zhao the Second, ashen-faced and shaking, never imagined his meticulously woven plot would end in such shambles. The scornful stares of the other examinees pierced him like needles; he felt as though he were a rat scurrying across the street, cursed by all. With head bowed, he slunk out of the inn, his dreams of success and his reputation shattered beyond repair.

Back in her room, Lin Shiya washed away her exhaustion and finally found a moment’s peace.

In the aftermath of the tumult, the inn settled into an uneasy calm. Each guest harbored their own thoughts, wary now of courting further trouble.

As the night deepened, silence blanketed the inn.

With the first light of dawn, golden rays swept away the lingering chill of night.

Lin Shiya rose early to resume her journey. But when she sought out Wu the Driver, she was met with a new obstacle.

Wu’s face was pale, his eyes evasive as he stammered, “Master Lin, I… I can’t go on. I wish to return home.”

“Why?” Lin Shiya asked, puzzled.

“I… I’m frightened.” Wu’s voice trembled. “What happened last night was too frightening. I… I can’t go through something like that again.”

Lin Shiya understood his fear, but anxiety gnawed at her heart. Without a coachman, how was she to continue her journey? The imperial exams drew ever closer—she could not afford delay.

“Master Wu, I know you’re afraid, but we’ve already come so far. It would be a shame to give up now. I will keep you safe—please, believe me,” Lin Shiya pleaded.

But Wu shook his head resolutely. “No, Master Lin, I truly cannot go on. Please find another to accompany you.” With that, he turned and left the inn without a backward glance.

Standing at the inn’s threshold, Lin Shiya watched Wu disappear down the road, her heart heavy with helplessness.

The morning sun shone on the official road, which now seemed longer and more uncertain than ever.

What should she do?

Just as Lin Shiya was at her wit’s end, a rough voice called out from behind, “Well, if it isn’t Master Lin! Where are you headed so early this morning?”