Chapter 198: Liu Wu Is the Most Suspicious

Chapter 198: Liu Wu, Most Suspicious

Just past noon.

The scorching sun baked the roads, and most travelers along the way were sweat-soaked and worn.

Yet Wang Ji, who rode in a carriage with a flask of ice in hand, was clear-headed and composed, his mind preoccupied with the several matters Chen Yi had entrusted to him, causing him to mutter to himself.

Since taking over the management of Bai Caotang on Chen Yi’s behalf, he had come to understand the man rather well.

In his estimation, Chen Yi was not only a learned scholar of great talent but also skilled in commerce and medicine.

These aspects of his life, gradually revealed through the flourishing success of Bai Caotang’s business, were not difficult to discern.

But the other endeavors Chen Yi pursued remained shrouded in mystery to him.

Even though he had handled a few matters himself, he still found them clouded and obscure.

For instance, why had the property in Dong Market been sold immediately after its purchase, only to be repurchased several others?

Or why was Liu Huwei constantly patrolling day and night?

And what of the several times Zhang Da Bao had inadvertently stumbled upon Chen Yi’s covert movements late at night?

Such incidents led Wang Ji to dwell on them more and more.

He wasn’t particularly worried about his own safety; rather, he feared that by remaining uninvolved for too long, he might not be taken seriously by Chen Yi.

Like today, he surmised that Chen Yi was planning a major undertaking with Liu Huwei.

Yet all he could manage were the trivial tasks of purchasing properties and delivering messages.

This naturally left him feeling frustrated.

“It seems I must settle things with Yan Hai before his departure, lest he botches this trip to Shu Zhou.”

Not long after,

Wang Ji arrived at Xiao’s residence.

This time, he did not venture into the manor to pay respects; instead, he placed a letter in the hands of the three stewards waiting at the entrance, bowing politely:

“Please have the steward deliver this letter to Mistress Xiao.”

The steward, San Guan Jia, was younger than the other two, perhaps in his forties, robust and lively in manner.

He glanced at the letter and exclaimed, “Is this the letter from Second Cousin Xiao?”

Wang Ji nodded with a smile, saying, “My employer and Mr. Light Ferry are old acquaintances. They’ve agreed to take a moonlight boat ride around the pool tonight. To avoid concern from the household, Mr. Light Ferry has asked me to deliver this letter to Mistress Xiao.”

San Guan Jia nodded understanding, tucked the letter away, and bowed gratefully: “Thank you, Manager Wang, for your effort.”

Having served in the household for some time, he was well acquainted with the alliance between Xiao’s pharmacy and Bai Caotang, and had heard of the substantial silver rewards the household distributed.

He regarded Wang Ji, the manager of Bai Caotang, with new respect.

“The steward is too kind. The letter has been delivered; I won’t trouble you further. Attend to your duties.”

San Guan Jia was about to offer a polite farewell when a commotion erupted behind him.

Not pausing to inquire further, he merely nodded to Wang Ji and hurriedly closed the manor gate.

Wang Ji, too, made no investigation.

Xiao’s grand courtyard was a place where certain untoward events occurred from time to time—nothing unusual.

Fortunately, he had already delivered the letter.

On the other side, San Guan Jia surveyed the courtyard and furrowed his brow, asking in a low voice:

“Wang Biaohu, what’s happened?”

There, scolding the two men—Geolu Three and Liu Si Er—was Wang Li Xing, who hadn’t been in the manor for quite some time.

Hearing this, he offered no explanation, saying:

“San Guan Jia, forgive us. We were a bit loud just now.”

“You know better than that. This place is not far from the main gate. Noise like this is bound to draw the attention of passersby, who might spread rumors.”

“You scolded us, Master.”

San Guan Jia noticed he had stopped, but said no more, leading the letter toward the inner courtyard.

Wang Li Xing wiped his lips, glared at Geolu Three and Liu Si Er, and said sternly:

“You’re all old hands in this household. This time, at least, don’t let it happen again. If it recurs, you’ll have to go to Second Cousin yourself to receive punishment!”

Liu Si Er and Geolu Three bowed their heads sheepishly: “We’ll go repair the several pharmacies right away. You must inform Second Cousin to excuse us.”

“Hmph. Now you’re afraid, aren’t you?”

“The hand that stumbles, the horse that missteps—we didn’t expect to be caught red-handed by the imperial guard during our patrol.”

“Don’t dawdle. Find out what happened, lest this matter reach Mistress’s ears.”

“Yes, yes…”

Wang Li Xing glared at the two men, then turned and strode toward the central courtyard.

After he had walked far enough away,

Geolu Three and Liu Si Er exchanged a glance, then solemnly dealt with the few soldiers around, and left the manor together.

By the time they reached Nan Zhen Street,

Liu Si Er’s lips twitched slightly, saying: “Your Excellency, I truly didn’t expect you to be such a ‘Hawk.’”

“If it hadn’t been for the warning you gave earlier, I’d have nearly reported you to Wang Li Xing myself.”

Geolu Three smiled broadly, his sorrowful expression replaced by a sharp, alert one.

“An unexpected accident. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have revealed my identity so readily.”

Liu Si Er didn’t press for details, nor did he speak, simply waiting for further instructions.

Geolu Three glanced at him, giving an approving nod—acknowledging the integrity of this stern official.

Only after they had walked some distance did he explain:

“In recent days, I and several other silver-flag officers have been plotting a major scheme.”

“Originally, it was extremely covert. But last night, an informant was discovered by Xiao’s guards.”

“Though that guard sustained serious injuries and hasn’t yet informed Master Hou, we and the others had to take countermeasures, lest we compromise the plan.”

“As for the specifics, I cannot elaborate.”

“This is to prepare you. I may need to withdraw ahead of time.”

As he spoke, Geolu Three carefully observed the surroundings, and once certain no one was watching, he continued:

“Regardless of whether the scheme succeeds, your only task in the coming days is this: stay hidden, keep watch on the nest.”

Liu Si Er memorized every word.

“No wonder Master Hou was so angry today, and ordered the three elders to investigate the judicial bureau—surely it was about that guard?”

Geolu Three slightly nodded: “Xiao’s guards were once elite scouts from the Dunyuan Army’s detachment, and were personally groomed by Xiao Fengchun. Their skills are considerable. In the future, you must remain vigilant and keep a low profile.”

“I understand, Your Excellency.”

He spoke little. "You go ahead to the apothecary. I’m off."

Liu Si’er nodded, watched him vanish into the western market, then turned toward the northern apothecary.

The two had parted ways but a moment’s span.

Ge Lao San arrived at the western market’s tailor shop. After a round of courtesies, he entered the inner chamber.

There awaited a woman clad in a purple gown, her features undeniably alluring—

none other than Chi Huo the Tiger Lady, Lou Yu Xue.

They regarded one another in silence.

Ge Lao San smiled. "Chi Huo the Lady, forgive my tardiness."

Lou Yu Xue met his gaze without a flicker of expression. "I know you needed time to extricate yourself."

Yet as she spoke, her brow furrowed at the sight of the daylight through the window. "Time grows short. You must inform them at once."

Ge Lao San paused, his tone steady. "You’re certain of tonight’s move?"

"Should we delay, the situation may shift. Should that night guard from last evening return to the Xiao family, our plans will surely unravel."

"Understood. I’ll dispatch word immediately."

Seeing Ge Lao San set to work in coded script on the sealed letter, Lou Yu Xue remained tense beneath her calm.

She had reflected on the past few days’ events, sensing something amiss, though she could not yet name the source of her unease.

Thoughts turned over in her mind.

In her mind’s eye, Liu Wu’s face emerged. "Could he be the one?"

Ge Lao San, hearing her mutter, leaned close. "Who’s the suspicious one?"

Lou Yu Xue blinked, regaining her composure as she watched him pen the missive. "Wu Liu."

"The second son of Liu’s clan from Jingzhou? Does he pose a problem?"

"I can’t put my finger on it…"

She recounted the night’s encounter with "Wu Liu":

"Even now, the Xiao family has received no word, yet I’ve a nagging sense this man is fraught with peril."

Ge Lao San mused. "Perhaps. So long as he holds no ties to them, we’ll find a way to settle him in time."

"But for now, the matter at hand is paramount."

Lou Yu Xue furrowed her brow, then let Liu Wu fade from her thoughts.

"You’re right. Even should Wu Liu remain a mystery afterward, I have means to expose him."

Ge Lao San inclined his head. "What I must do now is withdraw from Shu Zhou. Be vigilant."

"Decided?"

"Indeed. To avoid complicating matters for other imperial guards, I must bear this burden alone. This very reason I opposed Gray Wolf’s scheme beforehand."

"Yet with your support—and that sum of silver—I trust Shu Zhou’s affairs will grow favorable for our endeavors."

Lou Yu Xue’s eyes glimmered faintly. "What need I attend to?"

Though the silver-clad guards of the Hidden Armies typically worked alone, each tending to their own affairs, the situation in Shu Zhou was exceptional. She had contact with Zhao, Gray Wolf, and Luo Feng, all to better their cause.

Unless it were Gray Wolf, whose motives ran personal, she saw no harm in lending aid, however slight.

Ge Lao San finished three sealed letters, then bound each pigeon to his wrist. "First, the matter of Gray Wolf—only you and Luo Feng may address it."

"Second, the nestling territories are stable. No need to stir the pot yet. Once I confer with the golden-flag general, I’ll dispatch word."

"Third… that sum of silver—"

He paused, releasing the pigeons into the sky. Watching them vanish, he turned to Lou Yu Xue. "You must choose wisely. My men cannot return empty-handed. They require the silver to alter their faces."

Lou Yu Xue spoke without hesitation. "When that silver reaches me, I’ll not forget you. Though for now…"

Suddenly, Liu Wu’s face surfaced in her thoughts again, his words echoing: "The receipt—I want half."

Ge Lao San noted her silence. "What is it?"

She shook her head. "Nothing."

If that silver came to her hands, she’d see to it Wu Liu never laid a hand on it.

A pause.

Ge Lao San smiled. "You certain tonight’s not your night to join me?"

Lou Yu Xue hesitated, then rose. "Your martial prowess is wanting. You’d only hinder me."

"Better to let you depart swiftly than risk your safety."

"…True, but hardly gentle."

"Hard words for a soft ear…"

"Regardless, I wish you all success."

Night fell.

Perhaps the heat, or the approaching Mid-Autumn Festival, had thinned the crowds in the southern city’s flower-viewing lanes.

Even the famed Spring Rain Courtyard saw few visitors.

Only a handful of idle libertines lingered in the hall, admiring the dancers in the ballroom.

Old Brothel Mistress stood at the entrance, murmuring to herself, peering outward with growing alarm.

Several turtle-shell guards lingered nearby, heads bowed, too frightened to speak, lest they incur her wrath.

Liu Rong, watching this, found it oddly amusing.

Since parting with Chen Yi on noon’s western street, he’d remained within the Spring Rain Courtyard, awaiting.

Though he couldn’t fathom who Chen Yi’s "guest" might be, he knew Black Tooth and the others must be preparing to strike.

He’d awaited the outcome with bated breath—

Would the enigmatic, cunning boss Chen, with his masterful schemes, edge ahead of Moon Palace’s demon?

Or would the scales tip the other way?

Only time would tell.

Liu Rong harbored a quiet resentment toward Chen Yi.

Despite all the tasks he’d completed under Chen Yi’s banner, certain threads remained shrouded in mystery.

“Mysterious... mysterious...”

“Boss, you don’t want your schemes to come to naught in the end, do you?”

“If that’s the case, I’ll have a field day with you.”

As Liu Rong was musing to himself, a burly man in black walked up and whispered, “The time has come.”

Liu Rong glanced at him, set down his tea, and rose to follow him upstairs.

They made their way to the deepest part of the quiet chamber on the top floor.

The moment they stepped inside, Liu Rong let out a loud whistle.

“Hey, He Ya, tonight’s crew looks well-organized.”

In this spacious chamber, besides He Ya and Lou Yu Xue, there were over fifty men in black, tall and short. More than double the number from last time.

It was clear He Ya hadn’t been idle these few days.

Liu Rong showed no hint of concealing his identity, laughing casually before taking a seat and asking,

“Looks like we’re going to act tonight?”

He Ya glanced at him, his voice as cold as ever:

“Only you came? Where’s Liu Wu?”

Liu Rong spread his hands: “I don’t know.”

“But before coming here, I’ve already informed him of the matter regarding summoning everyone.”

“He said to come later, adding that a certain guest also wished to see things for himself.”

He Ya’s eyes flickered slightly. “A guest?”

At that moment, Lou Yu Xue spoke up: “Perhaps it’s that Liu Gongzi. Heard that he had a clash with a certain young lady at Fengchun Lou today.”

He Ya thought it over, nodded once: “Best that way.”

Lou Yu Xue glanced at him, hesitating: “Time’s tight. Shouldn’t the elder arrange things first?”

“Fine then.”

Yet half an hour passed.

He Ya had arranged the personnel in each of the three towns, but Liu Wu still hadn’t arrived.

He frowned, fixing his gaze on Liu Rong: “You’re sure you told Liu Wu’s brothers about this?”

Liu Rong grinned, teeth showing: “You should know, I can’t interfere with a medical saint’s whims.”

No sooner had his words settled than a mocking laugh drifted from the nearby shadows:

“A medical saint, well, if you give him a big enough stage, he can be understood.”

“Besides, a few days ago, he poisoned that Mo family patriarch, and everyone’s been talking about it. His poison techniques are no match for the five venoms of the old days, so it’s natural for some to be a bit… temperamental.”

Someone else shook his head: “Saying it that way, but you can’t let one person ruin everything for the group, can you?”

“Exactly. Cangwan Town is far away, and with He Ya leading the way, it’ll take three hours.”

“Heh, what a big stage they’ve got…”

Seeing these evil cultivators dissatisfied, Lou Yu Xue suggested: “Elder, how about sending Liu Wu to the other two towns?”

“You take Mo and the others to the outskirts of Cangwan Town first, so he doesn’t arrive too late and cause complications.”

He Ya looked at her, slowly nodded: “Very well then.”

He then gestured to the few evil cultivators in the chamber: “Those from Cangwan and Xuan Jia, you go ahead.”

Lou Yu Xue understood his intent, smiling softly: “The elder’s heart is kind. Sending Liu Wu to the nearest Tiebi Town would be most appropriate~”

Liu Rong also nodded: “Reasonable.”

He Ya paid them no mind, gave his orders, and led the group out of Fengyu Building.

Just before departing, he reminded Lou Yu Xue to wait no more than half an hour.

Lou Yu Xue agreed wholeheartedly, then waited with Liu Rong and the others in the chamber.

But half an hour later, as the hour approached its end, Liu Wu still hadn’t appeared.

Lou Yu Xue immediately stood and strode outside: “We can’t wait any longer!”

The unexpected turn of events deepened her suspicion of Liu Wu, filling her with a bad premonition.

But the arrow was already on the string; there was no time to devise other plans.

Seeing this, Liu Rong could say no more, and the group had to leave Fengyu Building.

It was only when they reached the southern gate that Lou Yu Xue summoned a waiting horse and then noticed the oddities around them.

“Who is it?”

A light laugh floated from afar: “The honored guest has arrived. Please excuse the delay, my friends.”

“Liu Wu?”

(Chapter Complete)