Chapter 64#
Night Reconnaissance: Little Pei Goes to Enzhou (Part 5)#
In the dead of night, Yuan Fang silently appeared in the main courtyard of the Li residence.
The courtyard was neither large nor small, showing no signs of exceeding regulations, and its style was elegant. At this hour, the servants attending the courtyard had already retired. Most of the lights in the bedchamber were out, leaving only the lamp by the bedside lit.
As soon as he approached, Yuan Fang heard Mei Xiu speaking to someone, but their voice was pitched incredibly low, the words indistinct.
Yuan Fang reached out to test the small window, then suddenly pushed it open and slipped inside. As he landed, he twisted his body, dodging a blade that swung down towards him.
He reached out, grasped the hilt of the knife, and looked up at the close guard standing right before him. “It’s me.”
The guard recognized Yuan Fang but did not immediately withdraw his weapon. Yuan Fang raised his left hand, shaking the token, and said, “Secretary Pei sent me.”
The guard glanced at the token before finally sheathing his blade. “My apologies for the offense.”
“Understandable.” Yuan Fang rose and walked over to the bedside. Mei Xiu was sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bed, staring at him blankly.
“Wait,” Mei Xiu blinked, snapping out of his daze. He leaned out from under the bed curtain to glance towards the window, then turned back to Yuan Fang. “How did you get in?”
“Walked in,” Yuan Fang said.
“How did you walk in?!” Mei Xiu asked incredulously. “That godforsaken, audacious bastard Li Da has people secretly watching this courtyard!”
“I know. There are five people hidden in the shadows.” Yuan Fang didn’t understand. “What’s the problem?”
Mei Xiu: “…”
Suddenly, he understood why Pei Xiting was inseparable from this Yuan Fang, why he was so close and so fond of him. It wasn’t just because he was bewitched by this little demon, but also because this little demon was hiding his talents well, possessing real skill!
A look of “So that’s how it is” dawned in Mei Xiu’s eyes. Yuan Fang pondered for a moment and guessed what Young Marquis was thinking, but he didn’t understand his excitement, thinking: Pei Xiting would never fancy you anyway, what are you so happy about?
Unaware of Yuan Fang’s inwardly scathing thoughts, Mei Xiu’s expression turned serious. “What does Xiting need me for?”
“Oh, Secretary Pei would like to ask Young Marquis for a favor—to test Li Da’s Concubine Fang,” Yuan Fang said.
“How does Xiting know there’s something wrong with Concubine Fang?” Mei Xiu beckoned Yuan Fang closer and whispered mysteriously, “Li Da hosted a banquet for me tonight, and Concubine Fang was also present. Guess what I discovered?”
Yuan Fang shook his head, remembering Pei Xiting’s advice to be polite. “I cannot guess. Please enlighten me, Young Marquis.”
“Ah, you finally know how to speak like a human.” Mei Xiu puffed out his chest, pointing his chin at Yuan Fang arrogantly. Then he said, “That Concubine Fang has some charm, but he’s a man.”
Of course, this wasn’t something Mei Xiu had never seen before. It happened in the capital too. After all, there is a difference between taking a male concubine and bringing a man home. Some people, afraid of gossip and rumors, would do this. But concubines brought into the household this way were usually not legitimate ones. They had no concubine contract, and their status was no different from servants.
But that’s where it got strange.
“Earlier at the banquet, I observed carefully. I think Li Da does pay close attention to Concubine Fang, but it doesn’t seem like indulgence. More like… respect? Like a married couple, the kind that treats each other with courtesy. If Li Da could elevate Concubine Fang this much, it means he must love him dearly, right? But through my sharp eyes, I always felt Li Da wasn’t intimate with Concubine Fang; instead, he was restrained in every way.” Mei Xiu stroked his chin, a suspicious look in his eyes. “But you tell me, if this Concubine Fang has already bewitched him to the point of kidney deficiency, does he even know what the word ‘restraint’ means?”
This was indeed suspicious. Yuan Fang looked at the guard behind Mei Xiu. “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 exceptionally skilled at concealing it.”
Mei Xiu voiced a concern. “That old bastard has people secretly watching me. How am I supposed to find his treasury? One wrong move and I’ll blow my cover.”
“Generally, the location of a treasury has a few characteristics: First, secrecy. Not visible at a glance, impossible to find by searching. So it’s likely a secret room or hidden chamber, dug into a wall or underground, with a cleverly and naturally concealed opening mechanism. Second, convenience. Convenient for the owner to enter alone anytime without arousing suspicion, convenient for transporting things in and out without raising questions. Third, security. Outsiders or strangers can’t easily access this area. Most people frequenting this area are trusted insiders,” Yuan Fang explained.
Mei Xiu pondered this. “Then wouldn’t it be where Li Da often goes? His bedchamber, or his study? But both are very private. Especially the study. When I asked him to prepare a courtyard for me to stay in today, I didn’t dare ask to stay in the main courtyard, afraid he’d get suspicious.”
“Alright, do these two things first: One, find the locations of Li Da’s bedchamber and study. Two, continue probing Concubine Fang,” Yuan Fang said. “If your guess is right, and the relationship between Li Da and Concubine Fang isn’t as simple as it seems, and Li Da even respects him, then this Concubine Fang is definitely not simple. If he doesn’t know martial arts, then someone must be protecting him in the shadows, acting on his orders. So you must be careful.”
“I understand… Hey,” Mei Xiu suddenly caught on, frowning discontentedly, “What right do you have to order me around?”
Maintaining his polite demeanor, Yuan Fang smoothly replied, “I am delivering a message and discussing important matters with the Young Marquis on behalf of Secretary Pei.”
Sure enough, Mei Xiu looked appeased. “Oh, alright then.”
Yuan Fang shook his head. “I’ll come again tomorrow night.”
Mei Xiu opened his mouth, but before he could make a sound, Yuan Fang had already flipped out the small window. It softly clicked shut, leaving no trace behind.
“…” Mei Xiu closed his mouth and looked at his guard. “Hey, is that level of skill considered particularly formidable?”
The guard nodded. “Even a top-tier martial artist might not be better.”
A look of shock, envy, and curiosity appeared on Mei Xiu’s face. “Where did Xiting find such an expert?”
The guard naturally didn’t know the answer, but recalling the “you know what I mean” look Commander Yu had given him before they left, he casually said, “Young Marquis pays a lot of attention to Secretary Pei.”
“That’s natural,” Mei Xiu said without concealment. “Xiting and I became friends after that fight.”
“Oh,” the guard drawled slightly, a knowing smile appearing. “Secretary Pei is indeed forthright and easygoing, very likeable.”
“Kid, you have good taste. Hey,” Mei Xiu beckoned the guard closer and lowered his voice. “Let me ask you, what does His Highness think of Xiting?”
The guards who accompanied the Crown Prince were his close attendants and would know something of their master’s attitude.
But this was not something to be spoken of lightly. The guard could only say what was permissible: “His Highness naturally wishes to nurture Secretary Pei.”
“That’s good then.” Mei Xiu nodded happily, a touch of concern in his voice. “The Pei family is what it is. If Xiting gains the Crown Prince’s favor, life in the capital will be easier for him.”
The guard smiled. “Young Marquis cares so much for Secretary Pei. If Secretary Pei were in trouble, you would surely not stand idly by.”
“Of course! But my face isn’t worth as much as His Highness’s. And I can’t exactly nurture his career. Of course,” Mei Xiu grinned tipsily, “If Xiting were willing to be the Young Madam of the Mei household, why would he need to toil away as a minor secretary?”
“…” The guard said softly, “It’s late, Young Marquis. You should retire early.”
One can dream.
*
Yuan Fang came and went without a trace, returning to the guild hall to find Pei Xiting lying on his stomach reading a storybook, a smile on his face that was hard to describe—clearly not a proper book.
“Concubine Fang is a man, and his relationship with Li Da is questionable.” Yuan Fang then succinctly relayed the useful information.
“A man?” Pei Xiting turned a page, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Li Da brought so many women into his home, but Zhang Dazhuang never saw a single man. Li Da doesn’t strike me as someone partial to male favorites.”
“Who knows. But those people secretly watching the Young Marquis aren’t from the prefectural government, nor are they ordinary guards. They were probably hired from outside.” Yuan Fang walked to the table, sat down, and poured himself a cup of water.
“So this Concubine Fang is definitely worth investigating.” Pei Xiting said. “There must be ghosts hidden in the Li residence too.”
Yuan Fang asked, “Should we ask Young Marquis to find a way for you to meet this Concubine Fang by chance?”
“We can, but it’s risky.” Pei Xiting swung his leg and crossed his ankles. “Have you considered this? Since the Enzhou cult trouble is a collaboration between Li Da and the cult, they must have a fixed way of communicating. That would give both sides a sense of equality and security.”
Yuan Fang said, “You suspect Concubine Fang is the channel?”
“That’s exactly my suspicion.” Pei Xiting said. “Remember what Zhang Dazhuang said? Li Da only showed his vicious side this year, and he also brought Concubine Fang home this year. Too coincidental. But more than coincidence, I think it’s a clue. After all, that Concubine Fang is worth investigating.”
“The cult… do they actually use evil magic? Is that how they control Li Da?” Yuan Fang asked.
“I don’t believe in that sort of thing. If Li Da didn’t become like this willingly, then at worst he’s been brainwashed, or perhaps drugged,” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang supposed that made sense. “If they really had evil magic, that would be truly terrifying.”
“Remember that letter stamped with the Enzhou Prefectural Seal?” Pei Xiting stared unblinkingly at the small characters in his book, speaking calmly. “Someone from the Enzhou Prefectural government came to the capital to deliver a letter, privately, and a secret one at that. This means the letter’s contents were extremely important, private, and dangerous. The writer and sender must have been guarding against the rest of the prefecture officials. Who do you think they were guarding against? And who had the motive and ability to chase the messenger all the way to the outskirts of the capital and kill him?”
Yuan Fang considered it. “Li Da?”
“Su Fan was the Enzhou Vice Prefect, responsible for military matters and supervising the performance of local officials. If he discovered an official breaking the law, he could immediately report it to the imperial court. Yet such a man died suddenly at this critical moment.” Pei Xiting squinted slightly. “Sudden death means it was unexpected, and it also means his death could easily be exploited.”
“So, you suspect Su Fan discovered Li Da’s illegal activities and was silenced to death? And Su Fan, sensing the danger, had already sent his own man to the capital to report?” Yuan Fang said.
Pei Xiting gave a slight nod. “Exactly. Of course, the cult could also be the one who did it.”
Yuan Fang was about to speak when his eyes sharpened, and he turned to look at the door. Seeing this, Pei Xiting quickly rolled behind the bed curtain.
Soon, there was a knock on the door. “Xiting?”
“It’s Lord You.” Pei Xiting sighed in relief and told Yuan Fang to open the door.
Yuan Fang opened it to find You Zong standing outside in a tight-fitting set of ordinary clothes. “Sorry for disturbing you so late.”
“Hey, don’t stand on ceremony with me!” Pei Xiting draped his robe over his shoulders and got out of bed. “Come in and sit.”
You Zong nodded and entered the room, while Yuan Fang casually closed the door and stood behind Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting poured a cup of water for You Zong, finding it cold. He was about to ask for hot water when You Zong said, “No need, it’s fine.”
“Alright then.” Pei Xiting put down the kettle. “What instructions do you have for me, Lord You?”
You Zong didn’t answer directly, instead asking, “How is the investigation progressing?”
“First, I’ve paid the ’tribute’ at the Baimei Brothel. We’re waiting for news to see if this so-called Immortal will grant me an audience. Second, I’ve contacted the bandit Zhang Dazhuang. We agreed to play along with their scheme, letting Prince Ning’s son deal with the Fifth Young Master Chu himself. I’ve also informed His Highness the Heir Apparent about all the details regarding the bandits. He hasn’t abandoned the plan to besiege Mount Damang, but he’s willing to talk to the bandits face-to-face before making a decision.”
Pei Xiting poured himself some water, took a couple of sips, and continued, “Third, Yuan Fang just returned from the Li residence. We plan to have Young Marquis Mei hold steady for now and investigate Concubine Fang of the Li family. I suspect she is connected to the cult, perhaps even a member. And that Su Fan’s sudden death might have other reasons.”
You Zong nodded, showing unreserved appreciation. “Well done. And a good suspicion.”
He took the secret letter from his bosom and handed it to Pei Xiting. “Actually, if you had read this letter that night, you wouldn’t have had to rack your brains guessing.”
Pei Xiting quickly scanned the letter and returned it to You Zong. “Since it’s a secret letter, if I had sneaked a peek and seen something I wasn’t supposed to, wouldn’t that have been asking for trouble? Besides, this letter is just one side of the story. We still need to verify its truth ourselves.”
“Su Fan was indeed murdered.” You Zong said. “In his early years, before he became Vice Prefect, Su Fan suffered a head injury during a bandit suppression operation. It left him with a chronic condition. When it flared up, he would suffer splitting headaches. Once, he foamed at the mouth and almost didn’t survive. Before his death, Su Fan also foamed at the mouth and convulsed until he died. A doctor testified to this, so his family didn’t suspect foul play.”
Pei Xiting nodded. “This doctor is the problem?”
“Exactly. I’ve already examined the body at the Su family’s funeral altar. What killed Su Fan was poison, not his old illness.” You Zong said. “We found the doctor, but he had already returned to his hometown.”
“Fled.” Pei Xiting snapped his fingers. “This man is either Li Da’s man or was bribed by him. By now, he’s either genuinely fled or has been silenced.”
“Correct. We found his body in the graveyard outside the city. He died less than two days ago,” You Zong said.
Hearing this, Pei Xiting subtly shifted his body, moving a little further away from You Zong.
You Zong, unbothered by his subordinate’s obvious aversion, smiled lightly. “Don’t worry, I didn’t just come back from the graveyard.”
Pei Xiting slid back, offering a docile smile. “So, what do we do now?”
You Zong said, “Li Da cannot be moved for now; we don’t want to alert the enemy. Your plan of infiltrating the enemy’s lair to draw the snake out of its hole seems appropriate.”
Pei Xiting smiled, then asked, “By the way, any leads on the missing children?”
“It’s originally very 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 smuggled out, there must be traces at the Enzhou city gates. I’ve already started investigating that angle. We’re just waiting for news.” You Zong said, “But regardless, the Baimei Brothel is still worth a thorough look. We’ve done a preliminary sweep and found nothing so far. We’ll need to search again. If we still can’t find anything, and the children’s whereabouts remain unknown, then we’ll have to execute our backup plan.”
“Wouldn’t that be too dangerous?” Pei Xiting said. “I heard the missing children are all around ten years old. At that age, entering a den of tigers, they’d be trembling with fear. It would be very difficult for them to protect themselves.”
“So we must choose the pawn very carefully.” You Zong said. “We won’t use this method unless absolutely necessary; the risks are indeed high. We will continue investigating the Baimei Brothel and Li Da’s Concubine Fang. See if you can meet the Immortal. Then we’ll plan the next move.”
“Alright. Oh, speaking of that Immortal, I recalled something.” Pei Xiting said. “That Immortal’s voice seemed to harbor murderous intent towards His Highness the Crown Prince. Since His Highness is also in Enzhou, we still need to be careful.”
You Zong nodded. “His Highness is aware. Also.”
He took a jade token from his bosom and placed it on the table. “This is a token for the Changtai Bank. If you need money, just take the token and withdraw some.”
“Wow.” Pei Xiting picked up the token, his eyes gleaming. “How did you know I’m completely broke now, Lord You?”
“With your measly savings, how long could you keep up your spending?” You Zong glanced at Pei Xiting. The look made Pei Xiting pause, but You Zong didn’t elaborate, simply saying, “Put aside the cult business. If you run into any financial difficulties, feel free to use this to get some funds.”
Pei Xiting rubbed the jade token and smiled. “Thank you for the sponsorship, Lord You.”
You Zong nodded and left.
Pei Xiting sat by the table, unmoving, turning the jade token over in his hands for a moment. Yuan Fang closed the door. “What demon is hiding in this token?”
“Wasn’t that obvious?” Pei Xiting said. “This isn’t from Lord You. It’s from His Highness.”
Yuan Fang was puzzled. “How do you know? There’s no name on it.”
“Because the way Lord You looked at me just now, hesitant, with mixed feelings.” Pei Xiting smiled. “Whenever he looks at me like that, it has to do with His Highness.”
“Oh,” Yuan Fang said, “So did His Highness do this purely out of official necessity, or is there some personal motive involved?”
Pei Xiting didn’t answer. Instead, he pressed the jade token flat under his palm, his expression subtle and unreadable.
*
The inn where the Crown Prince was staying was only one alley away from the guild hall. The furnishings weren’t the most luxurious in Enzhou, but Yu Shaoyun had booked this inn, and the Crown Prince hadn’t objected.
When You Zong returned to the inn, he found a man kneeling in the room. He was dressed in black, his hair tied in a ponytail, with a cleaver tucked at his lower back.
Yu Shaoyun walked out from behind a screen, chewing on a red date bun, and smiled at You Zong. “This kid dared to tail His Highness. Quite the ambitious one.”
“Too ambitious.” You Zong removed his gloves, his tone flat. “He was previously sent to investigate the pox epidemic on Mount Baiyou. Now, he’s disobeyed orders again, leaving the Young Grandson to come to Enzhou. Multiple offenses. One hundred lashes, then throw him out.”
“A hundred lashes would shred him to pieces.” Yu Shaoyun disagreed. “How would we explain that to the Young Grandson when we get back? After all, Qingjiao is now one of the Young Grandson’s men. He only listens to the Young Grandson.”
Upon hearing this, the man kneeling bolt upright trembled and kowtowed. “I am His Highness’s man! I obey His Highness!”
Yu Shaoyun smiled. “Then why are you here?”
“The Young Grandson should think about how to explain this to His Highness.” A thought flashed through You Zong’s mind, and he frowned slightly. “Where is the Young Grandson?”
Qingjiao shivered and answered in a small voice, “At… outside the guild hall. In Secretary Pei’s carriage.”
Yu Shaoyun: “…”
He abruptly turned his head to glance at the quiet area behind the screen, then bent down to ask Qingjiao, “How did the Young Grandson get out?”
“The Young Grandson went to view the red maple forest outside the city. While having a tea party around the stove, he drugged Eunuch Chang. He told me to carry the eunuch into the carriage and leave. By the time Eunuch Chang woke up, it was too late.” Qingjiao confessed truthfully. “Eunuch Chang was always being watched by the Young Grandson, so he had no chance to send word to Your Highness.”
“The Young Grandson was guarding against Eunuch Chang, but not against you.” Yu Shaoyun chuckled lightly. “It seems Qingjiao is truly the Young Grandson’s man now.”
Qingjiao’s face paled. “I…”
“Let him go back first,” the Crown Prince said, emerging from behind the screen in his robe. He gave Qingjiao a cold look. “If anything happens to Zong Lu, you will answer with your head. As for today’s matter, I will settle accounts with you when we return to the capital.”
Qingjiao kowtowed heavily, then rose and left.
“Isn’t this just causing trouble?” Yu Shaoyun shook his head, then turned to ask the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, should we bring the Young Grandson over? The weather is cold. If he’s stuck in the carriage, he might get sick.”
“You underestimate him. If he’s so resourceful, surely he can manage his own food and accommodation.” The Crown Prince didn’t want to discuss it further. “How is Pei Xiting doing?”
This meant the Crown Prince wanted the Young Grandson to suffer the consequences of his own actions. Yu Shaoyun didn’t dare say anything more.
“He’s quite busy. He’s focused on the bandits, the Baimei Brothel, and the Li residence.” You Zong said. “I’ve given him the bank token. He has his ideas. That Concubine Fang of the Li family is a lead. I’ll have people investigate. Your Highness need not worry.”
“With you here, what does your Crown Prince have to worry about?” Fu Wei entered from outside, gracefully taking a seat. “He clearly wanted to relax but didn’t find any peace. The more he relaxes, the more annoyed he gets… Shaoyun, pour me some tea.”
“Coming right up.” Yu Shaoyun stepped forward to attend to Director Fu. He smiled and said, “Then why don’t you think of an idea for His Highness?”
“Isn’t that simple?” Fu Wei took a sip of tea, speaking elegantly. “Find a good opportunity under the moon and flowers. Have a drink, pull the person into your arms, bare your heart, and finally seal it with a passionate kiss. Problem solved.”
You Zong felt Fu Wei was unreliable and didn’t join the conversation.
Yu Shaoyun, however, thought it was a good idea and looked expectantly at his Prince.
The Crown Prince took a sip of tea but said nothing.
Seeing this, Fu Wei said, “Don’t think it’s vulgar. This method is still very effective.”
“I won’t trouble you with my affairs,” the Crown Prince set down his teacup. “If you have nothing else to do, go back to the Southwest.”
“I finally managed to get out. Why would I go back so soon?” Fu Wei raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to chase me away now, so I’ll take that person with me?”
The Crown Prince said flatly, “Pei Xiting wouldn’t bear to part with him.”
“As long as you don’t interfere, what can he do?” Fu Wei said unhappily. “You cherish your own heart’s desire. Can’t you let me have my way?”
The Crown Prince said coolly, “And what if I can’t?”
“Fine. I can’t do anything about you.” Fu Wei said. “Don’t think you can chase me away. I need to eat that mutton a few more times. Besides, aren’t you investigating the cult? I can help you here.”
He smiled. “I’m not good at solving cases, but I can still kill people for you.”
The Crown Prince saw through him. “You think if you help me, I won’t be able to stop you from taking Yuan Fang away?”
Fu Wei just smiled.
The Crown Prince said, “You’re overthinking it. I can.”
“…Alright.” Fu Wei praised, “Your Highness, if you could use this thick-skinned attitude in front of Pei Xiting, you would succeed in whatever you want to do.”
The Crown Prince glanced at him, noncommittal.
The iron frame outside the window shook. Yu Shaoyun quickly walked over, retrieved the flying message, and handed it to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince opened the message. It read:
[The Young Grandson has inexplicably appeared outside the guild hall. Eunuch Lai secretly entered the guild hall to find Secretary Pei’s location. He was detected by Yuan Fang. Secretary Pei personally went down to welcome the Young Grandson, but the Young Grandson does not wish to reveal his whereabouts and thus did not inform the Heir Apparent. After discussion, Eunuch Lai will share a room with Yuan Fang, while the Young Grandson will share a bed with Secretary Pei.]
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed slightly. He folded the flying message and rose, heading for the door.