TL: Hua
Chapter 64: Night Visit – Xiao Pei goes to Enzhou (5)
In the dead of night, Yuan Fang appeared silently in the main courtyard of the Li mansion.
This courtyard was neither big nor small, showing no signs of extravagance. Its appearance was elegant. At this time, the servants in the courtyard had already retired, and most of the lights in the sleeping chamber were extinguished, with only one by the bedside remaining lit.
As soon as he approached, Yuan Fang heard Mei Xiu talking to someone, but the voice was extremely low and indistinct.
Yuan Fang reached out to test the small window, then suddenly pushed it open and climbed inside. As he landed, he twisted his body and tilted his head to dodge the downward swing of a blade.
He reached out and grasped the hilt of the sword, looking up at the guard standing close by. “It’s me.”
The guard recognized Yuan Fang but did not withdraw his hand. Yuan Fang raised his left hand, flashed a token, and said, “Pei-wenshu sent me.”
The guard looked at the token, then withdrew his sword and said, “My apologies.”
“It’s all right,” Yuan Fang said. He stood up and walked to the bed where Mei Xiu was sitting cross-legged, staring at him blankly.
“No,” Mei Xiu blinked, came back to his senses, tilted his head, peered out from behind the bed curtains towards the window, and then turned back to Yuan Fang. “How did you get in?”
“I walked in,” Yuan Fang said.
“How did you walk in!” Mei Xiu exclaimed in disbelief. “That damned Li Da, that audacious bastard, has people secretly watching this courtyard!”
“I know, there are five people in the shadows,” Yuan Fang said, not understanding. “What’s wrong?”
Mei Xiu: “…”
He suddenly understood why Pei Xiting was inseparable from Yuan Fang and why he was so close to and favored him so much. It wasn’t just because he was captivated by this little vixen; it was also because this little vixen had hidden talents and was very capable!
Mei Xiu’s eyes flashed with a mysterious “so that’s it” light. Yuan Fang pondered for a moment and knew what the young Marquis was thinking, but he didn’t understand, thinking to himself: No matter what, Pei Xiting would never like you, so what are you so happy about?
Mei Xiu didn’t know that Yuan Fang was slandering him. His expression became serious as he asked, “What does Xiting want with me?”
“Oh, Pei-wenshu wants to ask Young Marquis to help test Li Da’s concubine, Concubine Fang,” Yuan Fang said.
“How did Xiting know there was something wrong with Concubine Fang?” Mei Xiu beckoned, signaling Yuan Fang to come closer, and said mysteriously, “Tonight, Li Da hosted a banquet for me, and Concubine Fang was also present. Guess what I discovered?”
Yuan Fang shook his head, remembering Pei Xiting’s instructions, and politely said, “I can’t guess. Please enlighten me, Young Marquis.”
“You brat, you finally said something sensible,” Mei Xiu raised his head and chest, haughtily pointing his chin at Yuan Fang, then said, “That Concubine Fang does have some looks, but he’s a man.”
Of course, Mei Xiu had seen such things before; there were similar cases in Yejing. After all, taking a concubine and taking a man home were different. Some people were afraid of gossip and rumors, so they would do this. However, such concubines brought into the household were usually not legitimate concubines, had no concubine’s document, and had the same status as servants.
But that was where the strangeness lay.
“Just now at the banquet, I observed carefully, and I think Li Da genuinely pays attention to Concubine Fang in every way, but it’s not like affection; it’s more like… respect? Like a husband and wife, and the kind of husband and wife who treat each other with mutual respect. The fact that Li Da can elevate Concubine Fang like this means he loves him desperately, but from my keen observation, I always feel that Li Da is not that intimate with Concubine Fang and restrains himself everywhere.” Mei Xiu stroked his chin, his eyes suspicious. “But he’s been so infatuated with this Concubine Fang that he’s kidney-deficient; does he even know how to write the word ‘restraint’?”
This was indeed a point of suspicion. Yuan Fang looked at the guard behind him and asked, “Is this Concubine Fang a martial artist?”
“Doesn’t seem like it,” the guard said. “Unless his martial arts are far superior to ours and he’s extremely skilled at concealment.”
Mei Xiu had a problem. “This old fox has people secretly watching me. How can I find his treasury? One careless move and I’ll expose myself.”
“The location of a treasury generally has a few characteristics: First, secrecy: it’s hidden from plain sight and cannot be found by searching, so it’s likely a hidden room or secret chamber, built from a wall or underground, with cleverly natural opening mechanisms. Second, convenience: it allows the owner to enter alone at any time without being noticed and to transport things in and out without raising suspicion. Third, security: others or outsiders cannot easily enter this area, and those who frequently enter and exit are mostly trusted insiders,” Yuan Fang said.
Mei Xiu pondered for a moment. “So, that’s where Li Da frequently goes, right? His bedroom or study? But these two places are highly private, especially the study. When I asked him to prepare a courtyard for me to stay in today, I didn’t even dare to mention staying in the main courtyard, fearing he’d become suspicious.”
“Okay, you two do two things first: first, find the location of Li Da’s bedroom and study. Second, continue to probe Concubine Fang,” Yuan Fang said. “If your guess is correct, and the relationship between Li Da and Concubine Fang is not as simple as it appears, and Li Da even respects Concubine Fang, then this Concubine Fang is definitely not simple. If he isn’t skilled in martial arts, then there must be people secretly protecting him and at his disposal, so you must act cautiously.”
“I see… hey,” Mei Xiu suddenly reacted, frowning in dissatisfaction. “Why are you giving me orders?”
Yuan Fang readily said, “I am here on behalf of Pei-wenshu to convey messages to Young Marquis and discuss important matters.”
Mei Xiu indeed showed a “that’s more like it” expression and said, “Oh, alright.”
Yuan Fang shook his head and said, “I’ll come again tomorrow night.”
Mei Xiu opened his mouth, but before a sound could come out, Yuan Fang had already darted out the small window. The window clicked softly, leaving no trace.
“…” Mei Xiu reached up and closed his mouth, then looked at the guard. “Hey, isn’t that kind of skill particularly impressive?”
The guard nodded. “A first-rate master is no more than that.”
Mei Xiu said with shock, admiration, and curiosity, “Where did Xiting hire such a master?” The guard naturally didn’t know the answer, but he remembered Commander Yu’s “you know what I mean” look before he left. He casually said, “Young Marquis seems very interested in Pei-wenshu.”
“Of course,” Mei Xiu said without concealment. “Xiting and I became friends after a disagreement.”
“Oh,” the guard’s voice trailed off slightly, revealing a knowing smile. “Pei-wenshu is frank and unrestrained, very likable.”
“You’re a sharp one. Hey,” Mei Xiu waved at the guard and asked quietly, “Let me ask you, what does His Highness think of Xiting?”
Those who could accompany the Crown Prince on his travels were his close confidantes, and they would know their master’s attitude to some extent.
But this was not to be spoken of. The guard could only say what was permissible: “His Highness is naturally willing to cultivate Pei-wenshu.”
“That’s good,” Mei Xiu smiled and nodded, quite concerned. “The Pei family is like that. If Xiting gains His Highness’s favor, he’ll have an easier time in Yejing.”
The guard smiled and said, “Young Marquis is so concerned about Pei-wenshu. If Pei-wenshu is in trouble, you certainly won’t stand by and do nothing.”
“Of course! But my influence is nowhere near His Highness’s, and I can’t cultivate him. Of course,” Mei Xiu chuckled drunkenly, “if Xiting were willing to be Young Marquis Mei’s wife, why would he need to be a hardworking little clerk?”
“…” The guard whispered, “It’s getting late; Young Marquis should get some rest.”
You can have anything in your dreams.
—
Yuan Fang came and went like a shadow. When he returned to the guesthouse, Pei Xiting was lying on the bed reading a novel, a difficult-to-describe smile playing on his face, indicating that it was not a serious book.
“Concubine Fang is a man, and his relationship with Li Da needs further investigation.” Yuan Fang then simply conveyed the useful information.
“A man?” Pei Xiting turned a page, deep in thought. “Li Da brought so many women home, but Zhang Dazhuang never saw a man. Li Da doesn’t seem to be a fan of homosexual relationships.”
“Who knows, but the people secretly monitoring Young Marquis Mei don’t seem like they’re from the prefectural office, nor are they ordinary guards. They’re most likely hired from outside,” Yuan Fang said, sitting down at the table and pouring himself a glass of water.
“It seems this Concubine Fang is indeed worth investigating,” Pei Xiting said. “The Li mansion must also be hiding something.”
Yuan Fang asked, “Should we have Young Marquis Mei find a way for you to ‘accidentally’ meet Concubine Fang?”
“We can, but it’s risky.” Pei Xiting swung his legs, then crossed them. “Have you ever considered that since Li Da is colluding with the cult regarding the banditry in Enzhou, there must be some kind of fixed communication channel between them, which provides both sides with a sense of equality and security.”
Yuan Fang said, “You suspect that Concubine Fang is this channel?”
“That’s what I suspect,” Pei Xiting said. “Do you remember what Zhang Dazhuang said? Li Da only started showing his true colors this year, and it was also this year that he brought Concubine Fang home. This is too much of a coincidence. Of course, rather than a coincidence, I believe it’s a clue, especially since that Concubine Fang is indeed worth investigating.”
“Cult… they wouldn’t actually have evil magic, would they? And use it to control Li Da?” Yuan Fang said.
“I don’t believe in evil magic. If Li Da wasn’t willingly like this, then at most he was brainwashed. Of course, he could also have been drugged,” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang thought the same. “If there really were evil magic, that would be truly extraordinary.”
“Do you still remember that letter sealed with the Enzhou Prefectural Seal?” Pei Xiting stared at the small characters in the book, speaking unhurriedly. “Someone from the Enzhou prefectural government came to Yejing to deliver a letter, and whether they came privately or in secret, it shows that the content of this letter is very important, private, and dangerous. The person who wrote and delivered the letter must have been guarding against the other people in the Enzhou prefectural government. Who do you think he was guarding against? And who would have the necessity and ability to chase him all the way to the outskirts of Yejing to kill him?”
Yuan Fang thought for a moment and said, “Li Da?”
“Su Fan was the Deputy Magistrate of Enzhou. He not only managed military affairs but also had the authority to supervise the political affairs of officials in the prefecture. If he discovered official misconduct, he could report it to the court at any time. But such a person died suddenly at this critical moment,” Pei Xiting narrowed his eyes slightly. “Sudden death means he died unexpectedly, and it also means that his death can be greatly manipulated.”
“So, you suspect that Su Fan discovered Li Da’s illegal activities and was brutally silenced? And Su Fan had already sensed the danger, so he sent his own people to secretly report to Yejing?” Yuan Fang said.
Pei Xiting nodded slightly. “Precisely. Of course, the cult could also have been behind it.”
Yuan Fang was about to speak when his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he turned his head to look outside the door. Seeing this, Pei Xiting quickly rolled over and hid behind the bed curtains.
Immediately, a knock came from the door. The person said, “Xiting.”
“It’s Lord You,” Pei Xiting breathed a sigh of relief and told Yuan Fang to open the door.
Yuan Fang opened the door. You Zong, in casual clothes, stood outside and said, “I apologize for disturbing you at this late hour.”
“Oh, why are you being so formal with me?” Pei Xiting got out of bed, putting on his outer robe. “Please, have a seat inside.”
You Zong nodded and stepped into the room. Yuan Fang closed the door and stood behind Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting wanted to pour a cup of hot water for You Zong but was already finding it cold. He was about to call someone to bring hot water, but You Zong said, “It’s fine, no need to trouble yourself.”
“Alright then,” Pei Xiting put down the kettle. “What can I do for you?”
You Zong did not answer directly, instead asking, “How are your investigations progressing?”
“First, I’ve already made ‘offerings’ at Bai Mian Fang, and I’m just waiting for news to see if that so-called immortal is willing to meet me. Second, I contacted the bandit Zhang Dazhuang and arranged a stratagem with him to put on a show so that Prince Ning would deal with Fifth Young Master Zong himself. Also, I’ve already told the prince all the hidden details about the bandits. The prince hasn’t given up on sending troops to surround Mount Damang, but he’s willing to talk to the bandits face-to-face before making a decision.”
Pei Xiting poured himself a cup of water, took two sips, and continued, “Third, Yuan Fang just returned from the Li mansion. We plan to have Young Marquis Mei hold his ground for now and investigate Concubine Fang in the Li mansion. I suspect that this Concubine Fang is connected to the cult, perhaps even a cult member, and that Su Fan’s sudden death had other causes.” You Zong nodded, not stingy with his praise, “Well done, and your suspicions are correct.”
He took out the secret letter from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Xiting. “Actually, if you had read this secret letter that night, you wouldn’t have had to rack your brains guessing.”
Pei Xiting quickly scanned the secret letter and returned it to You Zong, saying, “Since it’s a secret letter, what if I secretly read it and saw something I shouldn’t have? Wouldn’t that be asking for trouble? And this secret letter is, after all, a one-sided account; its truth still needs to be investigated by us.”
“Su Fan was indeed murdered,” You Zong said. “When Su Fan was still an unofficial aide years ago, he suffered a head injury during a bandit raid and had a chronic ailment. When it flared up, he would have splitting headaches. Once, he foamed at the mouth and almost didn’t make it. This time, before Su Fan died, he also foamed at the mouth and convulsed to death, and there was a doctor to testify, so Su Fan’s family didn’t suspect anything.”
Pei Xiting nodded. “Is there something wrong with this doctor?”
“Exactly. I’ve already examined the corpse at the Su family’s mourning hall. Su Fan died of poison, not his old ailment,” You Zong said. “We investigated that doctor, but he’s already returned to his hometown.”
“He ran away,” Pei Xiting snapped his fingers. “This person is either Li Da’s man or someone bribed by Li Da. At this point, either he truly ran away, or he was silenced.”
“That’s right, the body was found in the grave mound outside the city. He died only two days ago.” You Zong said.
Hearing this, Pei Xiting subtly shifted his body, moving a little further away from You Zong.
You Zong didn’t mind his subordinate’s blatant aversion and chuckled lightly, saying, “Don’t worry, I didn’t just come back from the grave mound.”
Pei Xiting moved back, smiled meekly, and said, “What do we do now?”
You Zong said, “Li Da cannot be moved for now; otherwise, we’ll alert the enemy. Your plan of going deep into enemy territory to lure the snake out of its hole is quite suitable.”
Pei Xiting smiled and then said, “By the way, are there any clues about the missing children?”
“It would be difficult to take a group of children out of the city, but with Li Da helping behind the scenes, anything is possible. Fortunately, if the children have already been sent out, then the gates of Enzhou City must have traces, and I’ve already started investigating this, just waiting for news,” You Zong said. “But no matter what, Bai Mian Fang is a place worth exploring. We’ve already searched it once and found nothing, so we’ll have to explore it again. If we still don’t find anything, and the children’s whereabouts are still unknown, then we’ll have to play along with their scheme.”
“Will it be too dangerous?” Pei Xiting said, “I heard the missing children are all around ten years old. At that age, entering the tiger’s den, it’s good if they don’t tremble; it might be hard for them to protect themselves.”
“So, this pawn needs to be chosen carefully,” You Zong said. “Unless absolutely necessary, we won’t use this method, as there is indeed a risk. We will continue to investigate Bai Mian Fang and Li Da’s concubine, Fang. See if you can meet the Immortal. We’ll discuss it then.”
“Alright. Oh, speaking of that Immortal, I remembered something I discovered.” Pei Xiting said, “That Immortal’s voice seems to hold murderous intent towards His Royal Highness. Now that His Highness is also in Enzhou, he still needs to be careful.”
You Zong nodded and said, “His Highness is aware. By the way.”
He took out a jade token from his sleeve and placed it on the table, saying, “This is a token from Changtai Bank. If you need money, just take this token and withdraw it.”
“Wow.” Pei Xiting reached out and picked up the token, his eyes sparkling. “How did you know I was penniless, my lord?”
“With your meager fortune, how long could you be arrogant?” You Zong glanced at Pei Xiting. This glance left Pei Xiting stunned, but he didn’t say much. He just said, “Besides the cult matter, if you’re ever short on funds, just take the money and use it.”
Pei Xiting rubbed the jade token, smiled, and said, “Thank you for the sponsorship, my lord.”
You Zong nodded and turned to leave.
Pei Xiting sat by the table without moving, turning the jade token over and over for a moment. Yuan Fang closed the door and said, “What kind of monster is hidden in this token?”
“Isn’t it just hidden?” Pei Xiting said, “This wasn’t given to me by Lord You; it was His Highness.”
Yuan Fang wondered, “How do you know? There’s no name written on it.”
“Because Lord You’s gaze just now, when he looked at me, was hesitant and unclear,” Pei Xiting smiled. “Every time he looks at me like that, it’s because of His Highness.”
“Oh,” Yuan Fang said, “then is the Crown Prince doing this purely for official business, or is there a mix of personal feelings?”
Pei Xiting didn’t speak, instead turning the jade token over and pressing it into his palm, his expression subtle and hard to read.
—
The inn where the Crown Prince was staying was only an alley away from the guesthouse. The decor wasn’t the most luxurious in Enzhou, but when Yu Shaoyun booked this inn, the Crown Prince didn’t object.
When You Zong returned to the inn, he found someone kneeling in the room, dressed in black with a ponytail and a cleaver tucked behind his waist.
Yu Shaoyun emerged from behind the screen, munching on a red date bun, and smiled at You Zong, saying, “This kid dares to follow His Highness; he’s really grown.”
“He’s grown too much.” You Zong unfastened his outer robe and said indifferently, “He went to Baiyou Mountain to investigate Po Yinlin’s matter before, and this time he disobeyed orders and left the little prince to come to Enzhou. All crimes combined, give him a hundred lashes and throw him out.”
“A hundred lashes, he’ll be beaten to a pulp,” Yu Shaoyun disagreed. “How will we explain it to the little prince when we go back? After all, Qing Jiao is now the little prince’s man and only listens to him.”
The person kneeling ramrod straight trembled all over when he heard this, kowtowed, and said, “This subordinate is His Highness’s man and listens to His Highness’s words!”
Yu Shaoyun smiled and said, “Then why are you here?”
“The little prince should think about how to explain it to His Highness,” You Zong’s mind raced, and he frowned slightly. “Where is the little prince?”
Qing Jiao shivered and whispered, “In… Pei-wenshu’s carriage outside the guesthouse.”
Yu Shaoyun: “…”
He abruptly turned his head to look at the silent area behind the screen, then leaned down to ask Qing Jiao, “How did the little prince get out?”
“The little prince went to see the red maple forest outside the city. While making tea around the stove, he drugged Eunuch Lai and told me to carry him onto the carriage and leave. By the time Eunuch Lai woke up, it was too late,” Qing Jiao confessed honestly. “Eunuch Lai was constantly watched by the little prince and had no chance to send a message to His Highness.” “The little prince guards against Eunuch Lai but not against you,” Yu Shaoyun chuckled. “It seems Qing Jiao is indeed the little prince’s man.”
Qing Jiao’s face turned pale. “I…”
“Let him go back first.” The Crown Prince, draped in an outer robe, emerged from behind the screen and glanced indifferently at Qing Jiao. “If Zong Lu gets into trouble, you’ll bring me your head. As for today’s matter, we’ll settle it when we return to Yejing.”
Qing Jiao kowtowed heavily, got up, and left.
“Isn’t this just reckless?” Yu Shaoyun shook his head and turned to ask the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, should we bring the little prince over? The weather is cold, and if he stays in the carriage, it wouldn’t be good if he falls ill.”
“You underestimate him. With his determination, can’t he arrange his own food, clothing, and shelter?” The Crown Prince didn’t want to say more. “How is it with Pei Xiting?”
This implied that the little prince should endure it himself, so Yu Shaoyun didn’t dare to say anything more.
“He’s very busy. He’s taken an interest in the bandits, Bai Mian Fang, and the Li residence,” You Zong said. “I gave him the bank’s jade token. He has his own ideas. Concubine Fang of the Li residence is a clue, and I’ll have people investigate her. Your Highness doesn’t need to worry.”
“With you around, what does His Highness have to worry about?” Fu Wei entered from outside, gracefully took a seat, and said, “He clearly went out to clear his mind but ended up more troubled… Shaoyun, pour me a cup of tea.”
“Coming right up.” Yu Shaoyun stepped forward to serve Lord Fu, smiling, “Then perhaps you can offer our Highness some advice.”
“Isn’t that simple?” Fu Wei took a sip of tea and said elegantly, “Find a good opportunity under the moon and flowers, have a drink, embrace the person, reveal your true feelings, and then share a passionate kiss. Wouldn’t that do it?”
You Zong thought Fu Wei was unreliable and didn’t participate in the conversation.
Yu Shaoyun, however, thought it was a good idea and looked at his Highness with anticipation.
The Crown Prince took a sip of tea and remained silent.
Fu Wei saw this and said, “Don’t think I’m vulgar; this trick is quite effective.”
“I won’t trouble you to worry about me.” The Crown Prince put down his teacup. “If you have nothing to do, then go back to the Southwest.”
“I finally got to travel; why would I go back so soon?” Fu Wei raised an eyebrow. “Are you telling me to leave now, implying that I should take him with me?”
The Crown Prince said indifferently, “Pei Xiting wouldn’t want that.”
“As long as you don’t interfere, what can he do?” Fu Wei said unhappily, “You dote on your darling, but you ruin my plans?”
The Crown Prince said indifferently, “So what?”
“Fine, I can’t do anything about you,” Fu Wei said. “And don’t think about chasing me away. I have to eat that mutton a few more times. Besides, aren’t you investigating the cult matter? I can help you here too.”
He smiled and said, “I’m not good at investigating cases, but when it comes to killing, I can still be of service to you.”
The Crown Prince exposed him: “You help me, and then I won’t have the nerve to stop you from taking Yuan Fang?”
Fu Wei smiled without speaking.
The Crown Prince said, “Then you’re thinking too much; I’d have the nerve.”
“…Alright.” Fu Wei praised, “Your Highness, if you put that thick skin of yours in front of Pei Xiting, whatever you want to do will succeed.”
The Crown Prince glanced at him, noncommittal.
The iron frame outside the window shook. Yu Shaoyun quickly went to retrieve the flying letter, then turned and handed it to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince opened the flying letter and saw it read:
[The little prince appeared outside the guesthouse for unknown reasons. Eunuch Lai secretly entered the guesthouse to inquire about Pei-wenshu’s whereabouts and was discovered by Yuan Fang. Pei-wenshu personally went down to greet the little prince, but the little prince did not wish to expose his whereabouts, so he did not inform Prince Ning of his arrival. After deliberation, Eunuch Lai and Yuan Fang squeezed into one room, while the little prince and Pei-wenshu shared a bed.]
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed slightly. He folded the flying letter and got up, walking outside.
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