In the prison cell of the Eastern Depot, Bai Huan sat alone, hunched over on the straw mat. His legs were severely swollen, making it difficult for him to move by himself.
A jailer came with water, squatting before the cell door, “Elder, are you feeling better today?”
Bai Huan raised his head at the voice and smiled, “Better.”
The jailer’s face lit up with joy as he stood, clapping his hands, “Then I’ll bring you a bowl of porridge to eat, and wait for the Supervisor to come help clean you up.”
“No need.”
Bai Huan struggled to sit up, waving his hand, “I can move a bit better these past few days. Just bring the water, I’ll clean myself.”
The jailer carried the bucket in, continuing, “In a few days, when medicine arrives from outside, we can quietly call a doctor to the prison again. We can get you some tonics then, Elder, to help your strength.”
Bai Huan smiled, “How is medicine delivered to the prison?”
“Oh.”
At this question, the jailer opened up.
“Initially, prisoners’ families brought it themselves, but later the Supervisor saw some prisoners had no family, so he ordered monthly checks of prisoners’ injuries and illnesses. Medicine for those who need it, treatment for those who require it. Before sentencing, we rarely see deaths here.”
Bai Huan asked, “How many death sentences have you handed down?”
The jailer smiled and changed the subject, “I can’t tell the Elder that. Are you cold? I can bring more charcoal.”
Just then, lights appeared in the prison corridor outside.
Deng Ying personally carried a candle to Bai Huan’s cell door, raising his arm to insert it into the candleholder above.
“Supervisor, you’re here.”
“Yes.”
Deng Ying secured the candle and told the jailer, “They’re serving food outside. Go eat.”
“Yes.”
The jailer left at his word.
The cell door was open, and Bai Huan looked up to see someone else standing in the corridor behind Deng Ying.
“Deng Ying.”
“Yes.”
“You brought someone?”
Deng Ying answered softly, “It’s Yang Wan.”
“Zi Xi’s sister?”
“Yes.”
Deng Ying’s voice carried a hint of hesitation, “Minister… would you be willing to see her?”
Bai Huan said nothing more, just nodding toward the corridor.
Deng Ying turned slightly, “Wan Wan, come here.”
Yang Wan came to Deng Ying’s side, looking up at him, “I’ll bow with you.”
“That’s not necessary, Miss Yang.”
Bai Huan’s voice was hoarse, “Deng Ying, you needn’t bow either.”
Deng Ying shook his head at this, lifting his robe to kneel, and Yang Wan followed suit.
Deng Ying performed the bow between master and disciple. Yang Wan had never done it before, and mimicking Deng Ying’s movements, she appeared somewhat awkward. Deng Ying straightened up to look at her, seeing her still struggling with the proper placement of her hands, and called to her, “Wan Wan.”
“Yes?”
“A woman’s bow is fine.”
Yang Wan looked up, confused, “Did I do it wrong just now?”
Bai Huan laughed softly, “Rise, both of you.”
Deng Ying stood, then turned to help Yang Wan up.
Bai Huan looked up at Yang Wan, “Miss Yang, is the Crown Prince well?”
Yang Wan bowed her head in response, “His Highness is well, and thinks of you often, Minister.”
Bai Huan nodded, “It must not be easy for you, a lone woman in the inner court, nurturing the heir.”
Yang Wan replied, “It cannot compare to you, Minister, serving as a pillar of the state through two reigns. Despite your illness, you still maintain your concern for all under heaven.”
Bai Huan was taken aback by these words, “Did Zi Xi teach you to read?”
“Yes, and I’ve read your writings, Minister.”
Bai Huan nodded with a smile, “Good…”
He began coughing, and Deng Ying quickly knelt to help ease his breathing, “Are you still coughing blood today?”
Bai Huan shook his head, “It’s much better now. You don’t need to come every day. Treating me this way, not conducting public interrogations… it’s not good for you.”
Deng Ying didn’t respond to Bai Huan’s words, instead turning to Yang Wan, “Wan Wan, help me tie my sleeves.”