Chapter 73#

Discovery: Little Pei Arrives in Enzhou (13)#

This was shaping up to be a classic “He flees, he pursues, they both can’t escape even if they had wings” drama.

Pei Xiting smiled and said, “Don’t forget, my setting is that I’m your plaything. Just a little trinket—why would you, of all people, stoop to come after me yourself?”

“I get along exceptionally well with Third Young Master Pei. Since I’ve gotten my hands on such a treasure, I can’t afford to lose him—especially not to some other man snatching him away.” Zong Suiyang gazed deeply into Pei Xiting’s eyes and said leisurely, “With my temperament, I can’t stand even a speck of sand in my eyes. I’d have to catch him, kill his lover right in front of him, then make him wish he were dead, make him suffer miserably, and regret the mistake he made.”

Pei Xiting slammed the window shut, blocking Yu Shaoyun’s probing little gaze, then stood up and sat down next to Zong Suiyang. “How do you know we’d get along? We’ve never actually done anything.”

That was crude. Zong Suiyang paused, then said, “If we didn’t get along, would I keep you by my side as my sex slave and ravage you like a beast?”

Pei the screenwriter thought for a moment and said, “There is some logic to that. After all, you wouldn’t stoop to wronging yourself.”

Seeing Pei Xiting’s serious expression, Zong Suiyang reached out and pinched his chin, leaning in slightly with a half-smile. “So, your writing me like this doesn’t really damage my reputation.”

“I see through your wild heart from the outside in, don’t I?” Pei Xiting tilted his head back slightly, eyeing Zong Suiyang suspiciously. “You… you don’t actually have some twisted kink, do you?”

After all, what decent person likes to choke someone’s neck while kissing? Pei Xiting guessed that guy Zong was definitely not the gentle type in bed.

Zong Suiyang raised an eyebrow slightly. “Guess.”

“Don’t be so mysterious.” Pei Xiting clicked his tongue. “Oh, come on. His Highness the Crown Prince has remained chaste and pure, still a virgin at an age when others are already fathers. How am I supposed to guess? But…”

“Mm,” Zong Suiyang played with the soft, pretty flesh of his chin, his tone lazy but carrying a hint of threat. “But what?”

“Based on my own… modest experience, I think I have a rough idea… Stop scraping my chin, that tickles like hell.” Pei Xiting clicked his tongue again and swatted at Zong Suiyang’s hand. There was a sharp smack, and then Zong Suiyang caught his palm and gave it a light slap in return.

Pei Xiting struggled but couldn’t break free. Another slap landed on his palm—not painful, but ticklish. He was furious. “You dare hit me? I’ll headbutt you to death!”

Pei Xiting rammed his head into Zong Suiyang’s chest. Zong Suiyang leaned back slightly against the backrest, and the hand holding Pei Xiting’s palm pulled with force, dragging half of Pei Xiting’s body onto himself.

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Pei Xiting quickly said, “I was wrong, I was wrong…”

Zong Suiyang held him down. “Wrong about what?”

“I shouldn’t have been unwilling to take the beating, shouldn’t have dared to complain about pain, shouldn’t have retaliated. I was terribly wrong… Hey!” After finishing his sarcastic apology, Pei Xiting suddenly exerted force, but the gap in strength was too great. Zong Suiyang easily subdued him, and now his other hand was caught too.

Zong Suiyang gathered Pei Xiting’s hands together and held them with just his right hand. “I want to add a scene.”

Pei Xiting said, “What?!”

“That fellow surnamed Huo definitely won’t fully believe the story you fabricated. Since I’ve come to Enzhou personally to catch you, why don’t you and I put on a little act? You pretend to be caught by me, let me bully you properly, and cement the story you’ve so carefully crafted.” Zong Suiyang reached out and scratched Pei Xiting’s chin. “What do you think?”

Pei Xiting dodged a couple of times, getting tickled, so he simply opened his mouth and bit the offending hand. His teeth pressed lightly, then he let go. “Pfft. I’m the director. Only I can direct this play. You don’t have the right to add scenes mid-way.”

Zong Suiyang’s eyes darkened slightly as he suppressed the urge to slip his fingers into that warm mouth. “But I provided the financial support.”

“Your token for the money house? I never used it.” Pei Xiting refused to concede, arguing fiercely.

“That’s your problem. I gave you the token, which means I provided support. If you didn’t use it, what’s that got to do with me?” Zong Suiyang pinched Pei Xiting’s puffed-out cheek and said with a half-smile, “Besides, since you’ve already put this hat on me, if I don’t live up to it, wouldn’t that be a waste of the injustice?”

What was going on? The pure and chaste Crown Prince had suddenly gone out of character. Was he holding a grudge over the unflattering persona Pei Xiting had given him? Pei Xiting was a bit confused.

“In my opinion, the essence of this scene lies in two things. First, you need to scream both miserably and alluringly, to highlight my bestial cruelty and lay the groundwork for your subsequent—somewhat effective—honey trap. Second,” Zong Suiyang continued arranging and explaining on his own, pausing here to glance toward the door and saying coolly, “your lover’s sinful root is severed by my hand before he can escape, leaving him impotent from then on. That will make the two of you hate me to the bone and drive you even more insane.”

Pei Xiting: “!”

Yuan Fang, sitting on the driver’s seat: “?”

Well then. Pei the screenwriter, Pei the director, Pei the leading man—he understood now. The investor was dissatisfied with Yuan Fang, the official male lead, and had decided to step in personally to add his own scenes and even publicly delete the official lead’s role!

Of course, in the end, Director Pei was overpowered by the formidable strength of capital and had no choice but to agree to add this scene.

The candlelight was dim. Pei Xiting wore a worried expression, sighing deeply—both ashamed of his failure to hold the line and aggrieved by the treatment he had suffered. Each sigh seemed to be wrapped in mixed flavors, trembling and long-drawn, even moving Zong Lu, who sat nearby, to a pang of sympathy.

Zong Lu was a child who repaid kindness. Since Attendant Pei had spoken up for him, he ought to speak up for Attendant Pei too.

“Fifth Uncle,” Zong Lu looked at Zong Suiyang. “Did you punish Attendant Pei?”

Zong Suiyang was leisurely drinking his congee. At this, he replied, “No, I am helping Attendant Pei give full play to his talent and perfect his plan.”

Zong Lu subtly pleaded for Pei Xiting. “Perhaps Fifth Uncle was a bit too harsh, and Attendant Pei can’t accept it for the moment.”

“It’s fine. Attendant Pei is much tougher than you imagine. I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon.” Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting and said gently, “Isn’t that right, Attendant Pei?”

What a strong cup of tea. Pei Xiting met his gaze and smiled slightly. “That’s right.”

Alas, Zong Lu shook his head inwardly. Attendant Pei was still too intimidated by Fifth Uncle to speak his mind.

“Your Highness.” You Zong called from the doorway and then entered. He bowed to the young imperial grandson and said, “The child transported today from Baimei Brothel to the burial mound has been brought back. She had already passed away—strangled to death. And…”

You Zong paused. “We examined the body. She had many visible wounds, including whip marks, ligature marks, candle wax drips, and various other injuries. In addition, before she died, her lower body was still bleeding.”

Zong Suiyang put down his spoon. “Find a quiet place and bury her properly. Shaoyun, summon Chongyan to Enzhou.”

Yu Shaoyun acknowledged from outside.

Zong Suiyang was about to speak when he noticed Pei Xiting’s unpleasant expression, lost in thought. He said, “Xiting, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just suddenly thought I understood why the missing girls are about two years older than the boys—around twelve or thirteen.” Pei Xiting snapped back to reality and said gravely, “At that age, girls haven’t yet reached adulthood. They’re somewhere between young maidens and children. Some have already had their first menstruation, but they haven’t yet been taught about… those matters. They’re innocent and naive. Compared to younger children, they’re less likely to die from mishandling. For certain beasts, they’re just the right age to ravage.”

Zong Lu’s small face tightened. “Is that evil cult practicing some kind of ‘replenish yin by plundering yang’ sorcery?”

“Even if that’s the case, this person must be a twisted scumbag at heart to beat someone to death.” Pei Xiting said. “This person was at Baimei Brothel today.”

“Our men have completely surrounded Baimei Brothel. We didn’t see any suspicious individuals go in or out,” You Zong said. “But that immortal envoy today couldn’t have appeared out of thin air. Either he’s been staying in Baimei Brothel the whole time, or there must be a secret passage—one that can hide people and lead elsewhere.”

Pei Xiting’s eyelids twitched at these words. “The Li residence.”

Two voices spoke simultaneously. Pei Xiting looked up at Zong Suiyang, who had guessed the same as him, and pursed his lips in a smile. “Baimei Brothel is not far from the Li residence. Tunneling between them wouldn’t be too big a project. Since we’ve already confirmed that Li Da is connected to the cult, and he has a history of rape and murder, plus that weird Concubine Fang hidden in his mansion, it’s worth suspecting him.”

Zong Suiyang said, “Tell Mei Xiu to make his move.”

The light had just been lit in the bedchamber when the steward came to knock and entered to attend to his master.

He lit a couple more lamps with his candle and said helplessly, “Master, you don’t know this, but Marquis Mei’s young son came looking for you earlier. I said you were ill and asleep. He was quite displeased. I barely managed to send him away… Oh dear, Master, your complexion looks terrible!”

The steward looked up and saw Li Da staring dazedly, his face tinged with a pallid green in the flickering candlelight, looking somewhat eerie.

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, “Master, shall I call for a physician?”

“No need…” Li Da coughed and squinted. “Just caught a bit of a chill. Nothing serious. A couple of days’ rest will do. But the young marquis—did he say why he wanted to see me?”

Just as he finished speaking, a commotion erupted outside the door. A servant ran in frantically to report, “Master, Young Marquis Mei wants to see you. He insists on coming in, and we can’t stop him.”

Li Da immediately pulled on his outer robe and stood up. “Invite the young marquis—”

Before he could finish, Mei Xiu burst into the room in a huff.

Li Da quickly stepped forward to bow, puzzled. “What is the matter, Young Marquis? Has one of my servants been discourteous?”

Mei Xiu flipped his robe aside and sat down on the couch. “I’m asking you—did you secretly report to the capital that I’ve been eating and drinking at your place, having such a good time I don’t want to go home?”

Li Da was taken aback. “How could that be! I never did such a thing, Young Marquis! Please see clearly!”

“If not you, then who?” Mei Xiu stared at Li Da’s complexion, his heart stirring with suspicion. This bastard clearly looked like he had a kidney deficiency—and a serious one at that. But Li Da had been “resting” at home today—he hadn’t been sleeping with anyone, had he?

Could it be that the secret chamber was right inside this room?!

Mei Xiu didn’t dare to look around recklessly and arouse suspicion. He continued his interrogation. “Who else but you could report me to the capital?”

“Young Marquis, could there be some misunderstanding?” Li Da said. “It is my honor to have you as my guest. Why would I report you to the capital?”

“Misunderstanding? Misunderstanding your ancestors! The letter has already reached me!” Mei Xiu slammed the table and pressed a letter onto the tea table. “His Highness the Crown Prince knows about it! He sent someone to write a letter reprimanding me, saying that the Heir of the State is staying at the official lodge, while I come here to enjoy luxury and comfort!”

“This…” Li Da glanced at the letter but, intimidated by Mei Xiu’s livid expression, dared not ask to see it. He could only speculate, “In that case, could it be that the Heir holds some grudge against you for disrespecting him? He might have reported you to the capital out of displeasure?”

Mei Xiu frowned. “Impossible. The Heir is not that kind of person. When we hang out together, we’re not all that formal. If he had a problem with me, he’d tell me straight to my face. He wouldn’t bother with backdoor reports. You—”

He slammed the table again and stood up, jabbing the letter at Li Da’s forehead. “You won’t admit it, and on top of that, you dare to slander the Heir! Believe me, I’ll go tell the Heir right now and have you punished!”

Li Da was forced back step after step by Mei Xiu’s jabbing. He was furious inside but put on a panicked face, cupping his hands and bowing. “Young Marquis, it really wasn’t me! And why would I do such a thing? To be blunt, I wouldn’t risk offending you over something so trivial.”

While Li Da was busy bowing repeatedly, Mei Xiu quickly scanned the layout of the room. The space was small, the furnishings simple—a bed, a couch, a wardrobe, a curio shelf, and nothing else.

“Is that so?” Mei Xiu withdrew his gaze, squinting slightly. “You’re not lying to me?”

Li Da’s attitude was firm. “I absolutely would not dare deceive you, Young Marquis!”

“Then which bastard did this!” Mei Xiu slapped the letter against his palm irritably, staring Li Da down. Suddenly, he stepped forward and got right in Li Da’s face.

Mei Xiu was tall and long-limbed. When he got serious, he carried the full air of a young marquis. He forced Li Da to retreat two steps, his head slightly bowed, not daring to meet the sharp gaze.

Up close, Mei Xiu caught a cloyingly familiar sweet scent. His expression shifted slightly, and he made a mental note. He continued jabbing Li Da’s forehead with the envelope while venting his anger. “Listen up. I want you to write something—anything—right now to explain clearly. Say that you invited me with all sincerity, and I haven’t been living it up in debauchery at your place!”

“Understood, understood. I’ll write it immediately and have it sent to the Marquis’s residence. I’ll ask Marquis Mei to explain to His Highness on your behalf.” Li Da nodded and bowed.

“That’s more like it! As for that gossipy bastard—if I catch him, I’ll skin him alive!” Mei Xiu snorted, cursed a bit more, and then stormed off.

The two plainclothes guards standing at the door quickly followed. One of them, with some acting skill, ran after Mei Xiu and tried to pacify him in a low voice, playing the perfect sycophant.

Only after they had gone did the steward breathe a sigh of relief. “That young marquis is far too arrogant and willful.”

“This is nothing.” Li Da rubbed his tired brow. “You may go out first.”

The steward acknowledged and quietly withdrew.

Li Da walked to the bedside, sat down on the edge, and slowly let out a breath, his expression weary.

Suddenly, the steward came back in. “Master.”

Li Da frowned. “What now?”

“Someone has arrived from the capital,” the steward said fearfully. “Someone from the Eastern Palace.”

Li Da was stunned. “The Eastern Palace?”

“Yes, they’ve been shown to the flower hall,” the steward said.

Li Da immediately ordered the servants to come in and fix his hair and cap. He changed into his official robes and hurried to the front hall to pay his respects. As soon as he entered, he knelt and kowtowed. “Your servant, Enzhou Prefect Li Da, humbly greets His Highness. May His Highness live a thousand years!”

The plainclothes guard held his sword in his right hand, a token from the Eastern Palace hanging at his waist. “His Highness commands that Enzhou Prefect Li Da immediately proceed to the capital.”

Li Da’s heart leaped. He kowtowed again. “Your servant obeys the command.”

“Please rise, Prefect Li,” the man said. “The command must not be delayed. I ask you to pack tonight and set off at dawn tomorrow.”

“Yes, your servant will ride day and night to reach the capital and present himself before His Highness the Crown Prince.” Li Da bent at the waist, nervously asking, “But may I ask your honored self why His Highness has suddenly summoned me to the capital?”

“The Enzhou Vice Prefect Su Fan died suddenly. The bandits in the prefecture still require the personal intervention of His Highness the Heir. It is currently the time for official evaluations. Prefect Li, do you think His Highness should or should not ask you a question?” The man gave Li Da a meaningful, half-smiling glance. “No need to see me out.”

Li Da turned and bent low. “Your servant sees off His Highness the Crown Prince.”

The steward saw the man out. The flower hall fell silent. Li Da stood in the middle of the hall, filled with uncertainty.

Concubine Fang emerged from behind and said softly, “Are you going to go?”

“Not going would be defying the imperial command.” Li Da clasped his hands and said hesitantly, “Could Su Fan’s death have aroused His Highness’s suspicion?”

“So what if he’s suspicious? Does His Highness have any evidence?” Concubine Fang reached out and straightened Li Da’s collar, saying gently, “Without evidence, just hold your ground. His Highness may reprimand you at worst, but he won’t kill you. Prefect Li—”

She looked up with a smile. “You must hold steady. We still have a long journey together ahead of us. Look at you—did you eat your fill today?”

“Pity, I killed her.” Li Da looked dejected.

“Dead is dead. There are more in the cage—every one fresh and sweet, ready for you anytime, my lord.” Concubine Fang paused, then smiled again. “The immortal’s alchemy has been coming along well lately. My lord, you should hurry back and enjoy it.”

At the words “alchemy,” Li Da’s expression shifted slightly, and he smiled dazedly. “Good… I’ll be back soon.”

Mei Xiu stormed all the way back to his room. The “sycophant” guard followed him inside, while the other stepped forward to close the door and stood guard outside.

“I’m exhausted.” Mei Xiu dropped the act and poured himself a cup of water, gulping it down. “Quick, send a message. I smelled something on Li Da. That old bastard is definitely hiding something!”

“What smell?”

“It’s a… wait,” Mei Xiu blinked. “Was that you talking?”

The guard shook his head. “No.”

“Oh.” Mei Xiu belatedly turned around and found Yuan Fang, who had appeared out of nowhere, smiling. “You scared the hell out of me! Make some noise when you walk, alright?!”

“Alright, I’ll do that next time.” Yuan Fang walked up to Mei Xiu. “What kind of fragrance?”

Mei Xiu rolled his eyes. “Hehuanxiang.” (Fragrance of Bliss)

“With a name like that,” the guard said, “it’s definitely not a proper fragrance.”

“Right. It has aphrodisiac and hypnotic effects. Use a little, it’s flirtatious. Use a lot, it’s practically drugging… Why are you both staring at me?” Mei Xiu said indignantly. “What’s with that look?”

Yuan Fang said, “You recognized it just by smelling it?”

“Of course,” Mei Xiu said smugly. “You should thank me. Without me, could you have smelled it? Would you have known what it was?”

“No,” the guard said. “Has the Young Marquis used this kind of fragrance before?”

“Your ’looking at me like I’m a pervert’ attitude is really rude.” Mei Xiu rolled his eyes again and continued, “This kind of incense is sold in the capital too, especially in the red-light districts. It’s not particularly rare. I’ll say it one more time: I prefer mutual consent. It’s only ever people scrambling to get into my bed; I’ve never used drugs to force anyone. Alright? Everything is for atmosphere! Take back those looks!”

“Alright.” Yuan Fang closed his eyes and opened them again, having shed the “looking at a pervert” look. Then he said, “Once Li Da leaves tomorrow, we need to find an opportunity to act.”

“I feel like his bedchamber is suspicious in many ways.” Mei Xiu was anxious. “But how are we supposed to search? Could there be hidden traps or mechanisms? As soon as we open something, we’ll get turned into pincushions?”

“That’s none of your concern. You just stay here and keep playing the part of the freeloading young marquis.” Yuan Fang finished speaking, turned, and jumped out the window, vanishing into the courtyard in an instant.

“Big deal, being able to run fast,” Mei Xiu grumbled in the room.

Yuan Fang pretended not to hear. When he returned to the inn room, Pei Xiting was sketching at the table.

Yuan Fang walked over and told him about Mei Xiu’s discovery. Pei Xiting didn’t look up. “That’s what they mean by ’each profession has its own specialty.’ The young marquis could tell what kind of scent it was with just one sniff.”

Zong Suiyang was standing behind Pei Xiting, reading a book. At this, he said, “Are you envious?”

“Your Highness’s ears have a problem. Your perception of emotions is absurdly inaccurate. I suggest you see a doctor as soon as possible.” Pei Xiting had barely finished speaking when he felt his nape seized by fate. He shrank his neck. “Hey, don’t get physical, don’t get physical.”

Zong Suiyang gently pinched the flesh of his neck and then let go.

Pei Xiting’s neck shot back out again. “Although Li Da is involved in this matter, I don’t think that’s the only purpose for those children—at least not the boys. Fang, you go rest first. I’ll come join you after I finish the drawing.”

Yuan Fang nodded, bowed to Zong Suiyang, and left.

Pei Xiting quickly finished refining the portrait and handed it to a nearby Longhe Guard. “Based on your descriptions, here it is. Compare it against your records.”

The Longhe Guard glanced at it, nodded to indicate it was correct, bowed to Zong Suiyang, and left.

Pei Xiting yawned. “Don’t they ever need to sleep? I see Captain You has dark circles, but he still looks energetic.”

Zong Suiyang said, “That’s how it is when you’re busy.”

“The Longhe Bureau has too few people,” Pei Xiting said.

“Better to have a few good ones than many mediocre ones,” Zong Suiyang said.

Pei Xiting rested his chin on the table and yawned again, thinking to himself, That’s true. It’s not like an ordinary government office. If there were too many people, it would be hard to manage and control them, and they might not be more effective than now.

Zong Suiyang glanced at Pei Xiting’s listless state and said, “Go back to sleep first.”

Pei Xiting propped his chin up and tilted his head to look at him. “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I’m not tired. I’ll wait a bit longer.” Zong Suiyang said, “Go on.”

“Go where? This is my room.” Pei Xiting laughed, looking at Zong Suiyang with a half-smile. “Where do you want me to sleep?”