Ruan Ning’s heart pounded, but her mouth was tough: “My brother knows many high-ranking officials and has black accounts in his hands. Do you think these fabricated charges can stop him? When he gets out, none of you will escape!”
Wu Shi was about to hit her when Old Man Zheng called him out and whispered, “What she says makes sense. Better to be safe than sorry. Don’t push too far. What if Meng Chi is fine?”
Wu Shi suppressed her anger and locked the door, muttering, “I’ll wait a bit and deal with her after Meng Chi is finished!”
Late at night, Ruan Ning’s stomach growled hungrily. She recalled the canned meat porridge Meng Chi had brought last time and wished she could have a bowl now. She sighed, caught between resentment and gratitude for Meng Chi’s earlier words: “If it weren’t for me, you would have been bullied countless times.”
“Why don’t you have your sister write a letter describing the recent situation, and I’ll help you deliver it to Meng ge?” Sun Jiancong suggested, concerned that Meng ge might be locked up and lose his bearings.
“I don’t know many characters,” Meng Yao replied, shamefully blaming the old wicked woman Wang for preventing her education. Although she had tried to learn again as she grew older, she could barely recognize any characters.
“You speak, and I’ll write,” Sun Jiancong offered, asking the jailer for writing materials. “A Yao mei mei, go ahead.”
Meng Yao recounted the events of the past few days. Sun Jiancong quickly finished writing, blew on the ink, and handed it to her. “Take a look.”
Meng Yao glanced at it hurriedly, recognizing only a few classical particles.
She nodded and listened to Sun Jiancong ask, “Will you stamp your handprint or write your name?”
“I can write my name.” She took the brush and wrote her name.
Sun Jiancong laughed, “Sister, wait. News will come soon.”
In the male prison, a Xiaoyun Guard spoke to Meng Chi through the cell bars. Meng Chi, neatly dressed, occasionally responded. Finally, he said softly, “Quietly send a letter to Lord Lu from the Ministry of Punishment, mentioning his young aunt and his cousin.”
