PCA Chapter 67

Su Cen estimated that the timing was about right. He lit some incense, brewed tea, and before long, the sound of the courtyard gate lightly creaking open could be heard. Qi Lin entered, escorting someone inside.

 

However, this person had their hands bound behind their back and a black cloth covering their eyes, clearly brought here against their will.

 

Su Cen gave a slight nod, and Qi Lin silently withdrew, closing the door behind him.

 

Qu Ling’er, who had been peeking around the doorway for quite some time, immediately approached and asked, “Who is that?”

 

Qi Lin glanced at the closed door, frowned, and replied, “An old acquaintance.”

 

“An old acquaintance? Whose acquaintance?” Qu Ling’er stood on tiptoe, trying to get a better look inside.

 

Qi Lin pulled him back and said, “Go back to your room. Whatever happens later, don’t interfere—just let them be.”

 

As night deepened, Su Cen examined the person before him under the flickering candlelight. Despite his own youth, Su Cen had already risen to the rank of Dali Si Zheng, an impressive achievement. Yet, this person didn’t seem much older than him. Clad in a simple blue robe, they were of similar height and build. Although their features were partially obscured by the blindfold, their fair complexion and prominent nose suggested that their eyes wouldn’t be any less striking.

 

What stood out the most was the person’s composure. Despite being brought here against their will, they stood tall and unyielding, without a hint of panic or disgrace.

 

Su Cen took a few steps forward, initially intending to remove the black cloth from their eyes. Halfway through, however, he changed his mind. Instead, he lightly brushed the back of his hand against the side of their face.

 

The person flinched slightly, hesitating before they leaned in closer—a subtle movement.

 

Su Cen could feel the smooth, delicate skin brushing against the back of his hand.

 

Then, the person spoke. “Your Highness?”

 

As expected.

 

Su Cen had deliberately lit sandalwood incense. Although its scent differed slightly from Li Shi’s usual choice, when combined with the tea’s aroma, only someone with an exceptionally keen sense of smell would notice the difference. This test confirmed everything.

 

All the clues aligned: Li Shi’s efforts in court to protect Feng Yiming, going so far as to fabricate a memorial to exonerate him; his earlier attempts to distract Su Cen with intimate gestures, urging him not to overthink; even Old Ning recalling that Li Shi had once brought Feng Yiming to visit.

 

So, this was Li Shi’s way of asking him to clear his old flame’s name?

 

Li Shi certainly had a broad heart, unafraid that Su Cen might take advantage of the situation to pin the fabricated charges on Feng Yiming.

 

A wave of malice surged within Su Cen. He maintained his hand’s position while using the other to untie the blindfold.

 

Feng Yiming squinted slightly as the cloth was removed. His eyes were indeed captivating, radiating intensity. But upon recognizing Su Cen, the initial joy in his gaze quickly turned to surprise, then disappointment. In an instant, however, his expression returned to calm. Standing upright, he naturally moved his face away from Su Cen’s hand, showing no embarrassment or awkwardness.

 

Su Cen withdrew his hand and chuckled. “Yangzhou truly is a wonderful place, far from the sandstorms of Chang’an. No wonder Lord Feng has such flawless skin—it’s enough to make anyone envious.”

 

Feng Yiming ignored the teasing in Su Cen’s tone and asked directly, “Where is His Highness?”

 

“The Prince is busy with state affairs, naturally still in the capital.”

 

“Then Qi Lin…” Feng Yiming paused, scrutinizing Su Cen carefully. After a moment, he let out a self-deprecating laugh. “He actually left his personal guard with you.”

 

For three years, he’d held his post in Yangzhou, navigating the treacherous waters of Zhou Huan’s court politics, yet he still couldn’t earn a single visit from him.

 

He hated Li Shi for his callousness but didn’t realize that Su Cen was equally annoyed at the moment.

 

Second-ranked in the imperial examinations, with both scholarly achievements and good looks—clearly, Li Shi had a type. If there was one Feng Yiming, there might as well be a Wang Yiming or Li Yiming somewhere else. Truly, like a breeze passing through spring, wildflowers bloomed everywhere.

 

After a round of exchanges, both sides were left with wounds.

 

However, both were masters at concealing their emotions. Though cursing Li Shi a thousand times over in their hearts, they maintained their calm exteriors, engaging in polite banter.

 

Su Cen untied Feng Yiming’s bindings, glancing with satisfaction at the purple bruises on his wrists. He said, “My apologies, Lord Feng. The situation forced my hand. Since you’re surrounded by spies, I had no choice but to resort to such methods for the sake of your plausible deniability when you return.”

 

Feng Yiming let out a soft grunt, neither too light nor too heavy. “How considerate of you, Lord Su.”

 

“Not at all,” Su Cen replied with a smile. “I am Su Cen, currently serving as the chief of Dali Temple and Xima of the Bureau of Classics, under the orders of the prince to investigate the Yangzhou courier station murders. I hope Lord Feng will offer his guidance.”

 

“You flatter me, Lord Su,” Feng Yiming said courteously, though his expression showed no humility. While they were both ranked as subordinate fifth-grade officials, there was a clear distinction between a capital official and a regional one. Moreover, Su Cen had been sent by Li Shi to investigate the case, effectively placing him a rank above Feng Yiming. As such, Feng Yiming should have shown deference. However, he chose to ignore this protocol, seating himself calmly as he continued, “I’m sure Lord Su is aware of my current situation. I’m under strict surveillance by Xue Zhi and his group. They know my every move, so I fear I can’t be of much help to you.”

 

Su Cen thought, If you don’t cause me trouble, I’ll already count my blessings. He poured Feng Yiming a cup of tea, skipping the pleasantries and getting straight to the point. “Let’s talk about the case, then.”

 

Feng Yiming frowned as he flexed his wrists, his irritation evident. “Didn’t I already explain everything in my report?”

 

Su Cen mentally rolled his eyes. That report was as cryptic as a riddle—who could make sense of it? Suppressing his annoyance, he said, “The victims on the courier road were all smugglers of illegal salt, weren’t they? So, who wanted them dead? The salt merchants or… the authorities?”

 

Feng Yiming raised an eyebrow at Su Cen. “And if it were the authorities? What would you do?”

 

Su Cen frowned slightly, pressing his lips together unconsciously. If it really were the authorities, there wouldn’t be much he could do. Smuggling salt was illegal, and even if the authorities had bypassed proper legal channels, the worst punishment they’d face would be a few months’ docked salary—a trivial matter to them.

 

Feng Yiming chuckled lightly. “It wasn’t the authorities, nor was it the salt merchants. The killers were likely a group of highly trained assassins—efficient and precise, killing with a single blow. Moreover, the victims weren’t low-level henchmen but major smugglers with extensive underground networks. Their deaths cut off the supply chain, leaving those below them without salt, causing the network to collapse. These assassins were well-informed, clearly receiving intelligence from someone.”

 

Su Cen furrowed his brows in thought. “The Secret Door?”

 

From the moment he took on this case, Su Cen had suspected there was more to it than met the eye. He had sensed an unseen force stirring the waters, one that extended beyond Yangzhou and possibly reached the capital.

 

Feng Yiming smiled faintly, his expression a mix of self-mockery and disappointment. “So, he even told you about the Secret Door.”

 

Ignoring the layered implications in his words, Su Cen continued, “The Secret Door’s Life Gate seeks wealth, Fear Gate governs officials, and Shock Gate handles assassinations. So, the Secret Door has indeed intervened in the conflict between state and illicit salt. Yangzhou’s waters run deep.”

 

Feng Yiming replied, “Xue Zhi and his ilk are nothing more than flies drawn to the stench of money. The Secret Door wouldn’t bother with them. Initially, they were merely paid by the salt merchants to suppress smugglers. But when things escalated, they feared being implicated and had to seal off information while cleaning up the mess. The real collaborators with the Secret Door are likely among the salt merchants.”

 

“The salt merchants…” Su Cen pondered. “The Wang family and the Jia family?”

 

“You’ve done your homework,” Feng Yiming remarked. “But the one you need to pay the most attention to is someone named He Xiao.”

 

“Who’s He Xiao?”

 

Feng Yiming raised an eyebrow at Su Cen. “Don’t you claim to know everything?”

 

Su Cen rolled his eyes. “Say it or don’t—your choice.”

 

“Three years ago, the head of the Wang family made a grand show of selecting a husband for his eldest daughter in Yangzhou. After a meticulous search, he ended up choosing a failed scholar—none other than He Xiao.”

 

Su Cen nodded. So, this was the live-in son-in-law Wang Er had mentioned.

 

Feng Yiming continued, “Though He Xiao failed in academics, he’s a genius in business. The skyrocketing salt prices in Yangzhou can all be traced back to him. Three years ago, the Wang and Jia families were at each other’s throats, balancing the salt prices. But after He Xiao arrived, he somehow managed to reconcile the two families, and together they began inflating salt prices. The government’s support and the Secret Door’s involvement are all tied to He Xiao.”

 

Su Cen, however, showed no concern. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, “If this man can mobilize the Secret Door, he must have a deep connection with them. If I can obtain evidence of collusion between the salt merchants and the Secret Door, that’s treason—a crime severe enough to force them to relinquish their salt monopoly. Once the biggest salt merchants fall, the rest will follow suit.”

 

“You make it sound so easy,” Feng Yiming sneered. “If it were that simple, would I still be stuck here?”

 

Su Cen shot him a look: That’s because you’re not as clever as me.

 

Feng Yiming pretended not to notice and gave Su Cen a meaningful smile. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention, this He Xiao has a life-and-death friendship with Manager Su of the Yutai Tea House. Before you act, Lord Su, perhaps you should have a word with your elder brother first.”

 

 

---