Chapter 203: What Are His Intentions?!

Chapter 203: What Motive Has He?!

Within the Marquis of Dun Hua’s Residence.

It was already near the time of morning prayer, and many in the Xiao household had risen early, their movements not insignificant.

In the rear kitchen, cooks hurriedly prepared meals, while apprentices washed vegetables and boiled pots, their flames roaring fiercely.

Maids from various residences attended to the masters and mistresses, helping them wash and dress.

Household servants, taking advantage of the rain, scrubbed the courtyard walls and the edges of pavilions.

The busiest were those in the front courtyard.

Several grooms had long since readied carriages, preparing to deliver the morning prayer for those serving at the government office.

The steward and gatekeeper recorded visitors’ messages or received red seals, dispatching them to the rear courtyards.

Yet within the central courtyard’s pristine chamber, the old master barred entry.

Not only did he forbid attendants from assisting him with dressing or washing, but he also ordered several elite soldiers to station themselves around, barring anyone from crossing ten zhang.

This caused the Xiao family members already moving through the central courtyard to mutter among themselves, speculating that something grave had transpired within the mansion.

But muttering was muttering, and speculating was speculating.

They knew that even if they pressed forward to ask, they would learn nothing.

Those elite guards could not reveal a single detail.

Yet in truth?

The soldiers stationed outside the pristine chamber—Wang Li-xing, Liu Si-er, and others—remained in the dark.

They had only received a guard notice moments before.

At that moment, a soldier in the corner whispered low, “Brother Wang, I can’t help but feel something’s amiss today.”

“My back’s chilling.”

Wang Li-xing cast a sideways glance at him, then hissed, “Stand still, honestly.”

“You don’t even look around to see where we are?”

The soldier sighed, closed his mouth, and unconsciously glanced toward the pristine chamber, muttering under his breath.

Still, the atmosphere felt odd, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Liu Si-er, overhearing the exchange, found himself pondering as well.

The day before, Ge Lang-san had hinted at a grand scheme before departing, cautioning him to stay low and cautious, lest any flaw betray them.

Combined with the old master’s recent movements, Liu found it hard not to dwell on possibilities.

What scheme had Ge Lang-san plotted?

What message had the old master received?

And who was he keeping company with now?

Was it Xiao’s secret guards—or someone else?

Liu Si-er, unaware of the answer, felt his entire being tighten. His usually stern expression grew even more grave.

Behind him, within his own residence, the old master was even more solemn.

After Xiao Jing-hong recounted the tale, the old master fixed his gaze on the young man lying on the ground.

His brows knitted, his eyes heavy with gravity.

He knew Liu Wen—the second son of the Liu family in Jingzhou.

Yet he never imagined this Liu Wen would dare plot to burn the Iron City of Summer Grain.

Xiao Jing-hong noticed his altered demeanor and asked, “Master, have you met him before?”

The old master nodded, his eyes still fixed on Liu Wen:

“The second son of the Liu family in Jingzhou.”

“Two days ago, he paid a visit to the old master, even proposing marriage to your elder sister.”

Xiao Jing-hong furrowed her brow. “The master did not consent?”

The old master nodded, his face paling. “Do you suspect he might harbor resentment because of this?”

“The daughter dares not say for certain, but from the timing, it seems possible.”

“Time? What else do you know?”

Xiao Jing-hong nodded, retrieving a bloodstained letter from her sleeve, placing it hesitantly before the old master.

When the old master reached for the letter, she could not help but speak:

“Master, would you like the daughter to read it to you?”

The old master paused, a flicker of understanding crossing his face, then smiled faintly. “Why?”

“The daughter fears the master might fall ill from the letter’s contents.”

“The daughter dare not… it is merely a small letter.”

Before Xiao Jing-hong could finish, the old master had already opened the letter, assuring her, “Be at ease.”

“The burning of the Iron City of Summer Grain, the Liu family’s schemes—none of it toppled the old master’s health. How could a mere letter do so?”

“The old master… the old master…”

The old master read the letter’s contents, his voice stilled. His eyes widened, his weathered face creased, his lips trembling.

Clearly, fury had consumed him.

Xiao Jing-hong felt a pang of reluctance.

Yet she knew that to investigate and address Xiao Dong-chen, the old master must be informed.

As expected.

Upon seeing the signature and timestamp at the letter’s end, the old master slammed it onto the table.

*Thump!*

“This beast!”

“How dare he commit such a grievous offense!”

“For a family head’s title, a marquisate—he seeks to plunge the entire Xiao family into chaos!”

“He did not consider that his actions would dig his own grave—a fool!”

“A fool beyond reckoning!”

The old master raged at Xiao Dong-chen, pounding the table, his face flushing crimson, his eyes bloodshot.

Only when he coughed into a fit of exhaustion did he cease his tirade.

Xiao Jing-hong, seeing this, rushed forward, employing her internal energy to steady his qi.

"Grandfather, don't get angry. Your health is the most important thing."

"Granddaughter, let me call a doctor for you first..."

Before she could finish her sentence, the old patriarch waved his hand dismissively, weakly leaning back into his chair and panting heavily:

"No, no need. I... I'm not going to die."

Xiao Hong naturally didn't believe his words, remaining beside him, ever ready to protect his heart, his pulse.

Silence stretched for a long moment.

The old patriarch had calmed slightly, but his face looked even more weathered.

In the blink of an eye, he seemed to have aged several years.

Yet the old patriarch was oblivious to it all, his eyes fixed solely on the corpse of Liu Wen, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the proof of Xiao Zhongchen's crimes.

"What do you think about this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong glanced at the old patriarch, likely guessing his thoughts.

The Liu family of Jingzhou, at least, was straightforward.

Liu Wen had died outside the Iron Wall Town, and there was correspondence to prove his guilt.

Even if the Liu family remained unaware, Xiao Hong had ways to make them pay the price.

There was no need to mention the Moonlight Tower.

They were already the kind of evil cultivators and villains who had grown accustomed to being ruthless and cruel; all it took was one opportunity to trap them all in a single net.

So at this moment, only Xiao Zhongchen—or rather, the second wife—could cause the old patriarch such distress.

Xiao Hong thought of these things, yet she had no intention of beating around the bush, speaking plainly:

"Xiao Zhongchen's clan name shall be erased, and the matter submitted to the authorities."

"The Palace of Law and Order shall no longer be overseen by the second wife; it shall be transferred to the third branch or merged back into the main branch."

When she reached that point, Xiao Hong paused, her tone growing slightly more serious: "Furthermore, I propose that the second brother be arranged to leave the Hou family estate. If possible, let him leave Shu Province entirely."

This time, she wasn't just dealing with Xiao Zhongchen, but also making no provisions for the second branch.

If it weren't for the old patriarch, she would have even wanted to expel the entire second lineage from Shu Province, treating them as distant relatives of the Xiao family.

Including Xiao Zhiqi, who held a position in the commanding office in Shu Province, and Xiao Qiuyun, married to the Guang-Yue prefecture.

Upon hearing this, the old patriarch's dim eyes inevitably showed a trace of sorrow.

It seemed as though he was both chastising them and doing a favor to a dog.

At the same time, he began to recall the events of the past few years.

The final words of several deceased elders: "The brothers must stand united," "As the Duke of Qingyuan, you should take care of family and brothers, shouldering everything."

And the deeds of the second branch over these years.

Also, the changes in the Palace of Law and Order since it came under the second branch's control.

A moment of silence passed.

The old patriarch sighed, his breath slightly labored: "The second branch... they should do as you say."

Then he pointed at Liu Wen: "What about the Liu family?"

Xiao Hong's face turned slightly cold: "Exterminate their clan and confiscate their property!"

Though she understood it was unlikely to happen, the Liu family's actions had been treasonous enough.

The old patriarch nodded slowly: "The Liu family is a revered and esteemed clan in the capital. It's difficult."

"However, this matter must make the Liu family vomit up some answers."

His voice grew cold and stern: "I suppose I'll have to go to the Colonial Secretary's Office myself."

Xiao Hong also understood his intent.

Even if the Xiao family was in the right, they couldn't kill off the Liu family, but they wouldn't let them off easily either.

The summer grain loss at Iron Wall Town, the taxes from the Colonial Secretary's Office, and such matters all needed to be borne by the Liu family of Jingzhou.

Xiao Hong thought of these things and said: "I obey your orders."

After a pause, she turned and asked: "How should Li Changqing be dealt with?"

The old patriarch glanced at her and managed a slight smile: "The Qingyuan Army now falls under your command; all affairs should be handled by you."

Xiao Hong nodded, saying no more.

As the important matters were concluded, the old patriarch's spirit seemed to relax somewhat.

Looking at Liu Wen's corpse on the ground, he sighed:

"Actually, there's another matter. It should be connected to last night's events—the secret guards of Xiao Jing..."

Before he could finish, Xiao Hong suddenly raised her hand to interrupt: "Someone's arrived."

In the next moment, the two of them saw a middle-aged man in black clothing hurrying through the rain.

The old patriarch recognized him and smiled slightly, rising to his feet: "Xiao Jing?"

But that middle-aged man paid no heed, hastening forward and prostrating himself on the ground, his voice urgent: "Lord, General, the Moonlight Tower is on fire, set to burn the summer grain in three towns!"

"Please inform the three generals immediately, have them take precautions!"

"..."

Even after just experiencing such a major event, Xiao Hong and the old patriarch couldn't help but show a slight smile at the dramatic turn of events.

Yet that middle-aged man, Xiao Jing, seeing their expressions, grew even more desperate:

"Lord, General, this matter is of utmost importance. If it's late now, it'll all be over!"

The old patriarch, seeing this, merely waved his hand, signaling him to calm down.

Then Xiao Hong recounted the events once more, dispelling Xiao Jing's concerns. Seeing this, Xiao Jing felt relieved and, out of shame, said:

"My abilities are limited; I failed to inform you in time. I beg you to punish me."

The old patriarch smiled and comforted him: "It's not your fault. That night, you were gravely injured, you..."

Before he could finish, the old patriarch examined him closely and exclaimed:

"Your wounds are healed?"

Xiao Jing, realizing too late, patted his chest, uncertain: "Probably..."

It seemed he remembered something, and he exclaimed in surprise: "Was that person...? They're still a master of medicine?"

"Who?"

Xiao Jing then recounted what had happened that night.

"...After I learned that information, I was chased and wounded by those evil cultivators and villains, until I collapsed and fell into the hands of the Execution Department, losing consciousness."

"And when I woke up, I vaguely heard someone speaking beside me, mentioning something about 30,000 taels of silver somewhere."

"Oh, right, he also said a few more things to me at the end."

Old Master Xiao exchanged a glance with Xiao Jinghong and asked, "What did he say?"

Xiao Jin reflected for a moment, and a strange expression crossed his face.

He looked at Old Master Xiao and hesitated:

"He said he harbored no ill will toward the Xiao family; in fact, he had been helping them all along."

"But to prevent those people from getting desperate and jumping the gun, he couldn't tell you about it for now."

After saying those two sentences, Xiao Jin suddenly recalled the current situation in his mind, and couldn't help but swallow hard, then said in a rush:

"He, he also said, once I wake up, this matter will be resolved..."

Combined with what he had just heard about the three towns and summer grain incident, it was clear that what the man said had already come true.

But, but how could that be...

Not only him.

At this moment, both Old Master Xiao and Xiao Jinghong bore a few lines of solemnity, presumably thinking the same as Xiao Jin.

After a long while.

Old Master Xiao smiled.

"Looking at things now, we're no different from the Liu family or Xiao Dongren; we've all been treated as a mere pawn."

"He not only knew the information in advance, planned everything in advance, disrupted this matter, and laid all the culprits and their evidence before us."

"We, if we don't get the facts straight, we'd just solve everything carelessly."

"And we've gained the most benefits at the smallest cost!"

When he said that, Old Master Xiao slapped the table angrily:

"But what did he mean by that!?"

"What does it mean by letting the old man know in advance, so that those people would get desperate and jump the gun?"

"Does he think I'm inadequate in his eyes? Huh?"

It's no wonder Old Master Xiao was annoyed.

The man's actions had indeed helped the Xiao family greatly.

But the Xiao family was not only the last to know, but also the one who benefited the most.

It was almost like they'd stumbled upon an easy profit.

"Does he think we're too stupid? Or does he think he's superior?"

"Damn it, the old man has been fighting and campaigning for years, and this is the first time someone's looked down on him like this!"

Xiao Jinghong tried to smile, but couldn't.

Looking back on the entire incident, aside from informing the three towns' general in advance to prepare defenses, she had only one thing worthy of praise: killing the black-fanged ones.

Everything else, whether Liu Wen, Xiao Dongren, or the Liu family, the Mingyue Tower, etc., were all things the man had proactively handed over to them.

Just as Old Master Xiao said, the Xiao family had done so little and gained all the benefits.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jinghong stared at the confused Xiao Jin and asked: "Did the man have any distinguishing features? Or something easy to identify?"

"He helped us so much, if we don't show our gratitude, it would seem we're being impolite."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao nodded, his face darkening: "Jinghong is right; we Xiao family should indeed thank him."

"So Xiao Jin, you carefully recall and think, see if you can find that person, the old man wants to pay him a visit."

He really wants to see what kind of three-headed, six-armed fellow he is, not taking him seriously.

Xiao Jin hesitated, carefully recalling for a moment, then suddenly widened his eyes: "My subordinate did make a discovery."

"Duke, you remember the incident where my subordinate blocked the investigation into Liu Jing's death, right?"

"That matter, the old man remembers."

"The person who killed that old man that night, and the person who saved my subordinate the day before, their voices were very similar."

"Thinking carefully, it should be the same person."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao hummed, "It does have the same style, helping secretly, not leaving a name."

"Well, well, the old man now wants to know who he is even more."

Xiao Jinghong understood Old Master Xiao wasn't truly angry, just a bit embarrassed.

In fact, she had similar thoughts now.

But aside from feeling embarrassed, she was more grateful.

If it weren't for that person's help, the Xiao family would probably have been completely thrown into chaos by now.

The result would only be worse than it is now.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jinghong pondered and said: "To find him shouldn't be difficult."

Old Master Xiao's spirit perked up: "Oh? Say, say."

"The person who informed my daughter was 'Knife Crazy' Liu Lang and the mountain maiden's grandson, Pei Nanli; at least one of them is in the know, and should know that person's identity."

"Then we should find them and ask them, it's not right to let that person do all those things without recognition."

Xiao Jinghong nodded, then said: "Though in retrospect, that person is indeed impressive."

"Besides those schemes, he's also a saint of the medical path, and has two martial arts masters as his subordinates."

"Even Jinghong, who once traveled the world with her master, rarely encountered such people."

In her view, the gunmen outside Iron Hill Town are no different from Liu Lang; they're all that person's aides.

After all, a saint of the medical path who also practices martial arts is harder to find than someone who combines sword, gun, and martial arts like her.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao's expression eased slightly, nodding: "If it weren't for that, he wouldn't have done so many things without being discovered."

After a pause, he sighed: "But once we find that person, we should treat him with courtesy."

"If he can become an ally, it would benefit you, me, the Xiao family, and the Qinglong Army."

Xiao Jinghong nodded: "My daughter understands."

After some discussion.

Old Master Xiao looked outside, the sky darkening, and his face once again showed a cold expression, ordering:

"It's late, first we'll handle Xiao Dongren, and remember, we also need to find those thirty thousand taels of silver to compensate for the summer grain loss in Iron Hill Town."

"Once we handle matters at home, the old man will send Liu Hong to his good grandson."

"All in all, we need to resolve everything before the Emperor receives the news!"

"My daughter, you go..."

After Xiao Jinghong left, Old Master Xiao looked at Xiao Jin and pondered:

"Tell me, who should be in charge of the Ministry of Justice next?"

Xiao Jin hesitated for a moment, bowed, and said, "Lord Hou, I fear I may be overstepping in saying this."

"But say no more."

"Lord Hou, the Hou family now faces external threats, and the laws must be enforced strictly to ensure the household remains secure."

"Therefore, I believe the Judicial Office should be entrusted to those within the main residence."

The old master understood, rose, and said, "Then let Suan Qiao temporarily oversee it."

He did indeed recall old ties, but would not concern himself with fools.

Especially those fools who betrayed the Xiao family for mere immediate gains.

As noon approached, the rainstorm still raged.

In the midst of thunder and rain, Chen Yi, clad in a long blue robe, raised his oil-paper umbrella and calmly returned to the Xiao estate.

Upon entering the courtyard, he saw the soldiers and guards looking grim, and immediately knew the old master and Xiao Jinghong had acted.

It was no surprise to him.

As he pondered this, his face remained composed, as though unaware of anything amiss. He strode through the courtyard toward the Spring Lotus Garden.

Along the way, he greeted Wang Li and Liu Si Er and others outside the courtyard.

Just so.

Liu Si Er and the others were in low spirits, their greetings perfunctory.

Chen Yi paid them no heed, nor did he press the matter, lest he become entangled in trouble.

Yet as he entered the inner courtyard, his mood shifted.

Far off, he spotted a tall, slender figure standing outside the Spring Lotus Garden.

The figure wore a red robe, a long sword at his waist, and a silver mask beneath his high ponytail.

His eyes, like water flowing over autumn waves, gazed steadily toward him.

—Who was this woman, this Xiao Jinghong?

Chen Yi furrowed his brow, muttering under his breath, "Xiao Jinghong must be too occupied to be here."

Still, he quickened his pace, smiling as he approached.

"My lady, when did you return?"

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes flickered slightly, clearly in good spirits.

"Early this morning."

"Odd coincidence—I was invited to discuss matters concerning the Medicine Office at the Lake Pool last night, and returned late."

"No matter."

Chen Yi smiled, his expression natural, and asked calmly, "My lady, will you spend the Mid-Autumn Festival at home?"

Xiao Jinghong paused, then bowed her head slightly. "I have a few matters to attend to, but I’ll do my best to finish them before the festival."

"Such a shame..."

Chen Yi understood, smiling, "Then be sure to inform the old master. In recent times, Lord Zhang and Master Sun have departed in succession; the old master likely seeks to distract himself with the festival’s festivities."

"And your elder sister..."

As he led Xiao Jinghong into the Spring Lotus Garden, he chattered on about recent events.

When they reached the wooden pavilion, preparing to part ways, Xiao Jinghong spoke.

"My lord, did Pu Wei Luo say anything unusual before his departure a few days ago?"

Chen Yi’s heart skipped a beat.

The tiger girl wouldn’t have shown weakness, would she?

(Chapter Complete)