Chapter 27: Pei Guanli on the Move

Chapter 27: The Charge of Pei Wanlu

Chen Yi whispered a single command, casting a silent glance at "Uncle" before turning to Wang Liheng to add:

"Today, let us visit someplace bustling and lively, Brother Wang. Please bring a few skilled companions."

"Understood."

Wang Liheng bowed and departed.

Several elite soldiers remained outside the garden.

Chen Yi led Xiao Gunuo into the Spring Lotus Garden, where he spotted a small butterfly seated in the pavilion, gazing thoughtfully into the pond. He smiled softly and said:

"Little Butterfly, have Xiao Houge change into simpler attire. We'll venture out to the streets soon."

"Ah, ah?"

The butterfly jolted in surprise, then quickly regained composure, asking, "My lord, has Duke Xiao released your restrictions?"

"Uncle nodded. The second uncle wouldn't disagree."

"Rest assured, we won't be going to the southern districts this time."

"Good." The butterfly patted her chest, relaxing.

Chen Yi patted Xiao Gunuo's shoulder, signaling him to follow Little Butterfly to change clothes.

Once the two entered the chambers, Chen Yi's smile faded. He scanned the area, then swiftly executed the 'Dancing Dragon and Phoenix' body method, his steps light as he leaped into the Prosperity Garden.

With his current mid-ninth-level cultivation and mastery of the 'Dancing Dragon and Phoenix' body method, fully exerted, he crossed ten zhang and vaulted over a low wall in just three breaths.

After confirming no one was in the Prosperity Garden, Chen Yi approached the pavilion he had noticed earlier, crouched, and probed beneath it with his hand.

Soon, he retrieved a rough piece of paper, opened it, and glanced at the contents:

"Yi 14, Bing 3, Shen 21..."

Four lines of thirty-two groups of numbers—still a cipher requiring a key to decipher.

Chen Yi quickly memorized the sequence, then replaced the paper in the pavilion. Like the wind, he ascended the artificial hill and returned to the Spring Lotus Garden.

Before he could recover his internal energy, he heard voices from outside the garden:

"Fourth Brother, how rare to see you in the courtyard. Is it Brother Wang who summoned you?"

"Yes, heard little Houge is about to venture out."

"And Duke Xiao and his uncle as well. Hope this time it's not to the southern districts..."

Chen Yi mused that Liu Four was quick on the uptake.

Perhaps he'd been reminded by that "Uncle," or maybe the timing had been prearranged.

It still seemed somewhat unnecessary to hide the letter in that location.

Chen Yi stood still for a moment, turned his head toward the wooden building, and saw Little Butterfly and Xiao Gunuo were not yet ready. He quietly approached the wooden building some distance away.

Knock, knock.

Pei Wanlu opened the door, extending a pale, delicate hand.

Chen Yi paused, "Forgive me, I forgot to prepare breakfast for you."

Earlier, he'd been preoccupied with securing Uncle's permission, then happened to meet Uncle again, forgetting this detail.

Inside, Pei Wanlu pouted her mouth, looking pitifully at her stomach, "Brother, I'm hungry..."

Chen Yi had to comfort her first, then whispered, "Do you recall the elite soldier you saw earlier?"

Pei Wanlu's spirits lifted, forgetting her hunger, blinking her large eyes with keen interest, "Brother, has he done something?"

Chen Yi hummed softly, "His name is Liu Four. Once I and little Houge venture out, he'll likely follow. Try visiting his residence, see what books, paintings, or scripts he has—note down the titles."

Pei Wanlu's face brightened, "Yes, yes."

Chen Yi cautioned, "Don't rush to agree. It's daytime, and the Hou estate is heavily guarded. If it's impossible, return here. Remember, don't cause such a commotion as last time."

"Also, there are his associates hidden in the estate—namely, the hunchbacked elder you spotted earlier. Avoid detection."

"Understood, understood..."

Seeing this, Chen Yi reminded her again, twice.

Then he gave the general location of Liu Four's residence and instructed her on how to leave naturally.

The two ciphered letters had fully awakened his interest.

If he didn't uncover their purpose, he might dream of it all night.

That's why earlier, he'd deliberately dropped a few hints to Wang Liheng, hoping to divert Pei Wanlu to investigate.

Thinking this, Chen Yi stood outside the wooden building, "It's settled. If not, I'll find another chance."

When Xiao Gunuo and Little Butterfly had changed into their new clothes, Chen Yi led them out together.

"Brother, must we bring the young master along?"

"If you wish, I don't mind."

"Ha, I certainly don't want to..."

Soon, the Spring Lotus Garden was unusually quiet.

Pei Wanlu carefully opened the wooden door, the creak of hinges echoing as she surveyed the room. Her face turned cunning.

She'd chosen the right place, following her brother's path and Xiao Gunuo's as well.

Not only was she being taught breakthrough techniques, and having her skills corrected, but she was also being brought along to apprehend thieves within the estate.

Ha, how entertaining, how entertaining. The husband of Lady Hong was far more interesting than those people from the tribe.

"Ah, Brother, you're no match for the husband of Lady Hong. You're too far behind."

As she thought this, Pei Wanlu clumsily made her way out.

The bright sunlight bathed her as she emerged, now dressed as a servant in the Hou estate.

Her green short jacket was plump and snug, a black skirt tied at the side, embroidered shoes on her feet, and a hairpin in her hair—transforming into a lively, sprightly maid.

Once she confirmed no one was nearby, Pei Wanlu stretched and followed Chen Yi's instructions to the spot he'd indicated.

Just as she reached the doorway, she collided headlong with Zhangheng, who was rushing in.

Zhangheng glanced at her, paid her no mind, and dashed into the Spring Lotus Garden, shouting, "Escaped husband, Xiao Gunuo's younger brother, the young master has arrived—come out and greet him..."

Pei Wanlu pouted her lips. Before Zhangheng noticed the garden was empty, she quickly vanished into the distance.

On her way out, she walked with surprising confidence.

Except for occasionally glancing at her eyes, she handled the encounters with the estate's maids and servants as if she were one of them, exchanging polite words.

Even when those tall, broad-shouldered elite soldiers looked her way, she smiled boldly and faced them cheerfully.

Some young, vigorous soldiers were captivated by her smile, gazing after her silhouette as she disappeared.

"Which household does this maid belong to?"

It could not be the head servant's; perhaps some of the younger masters from the second chamber, the ones who were in the master's courtyard. Last time I heard, Master Chen has a little son outside.

"You mean she... such a reputation, how unfortunate."

"Stop imagining it. Though we serve the Hou family as personal guards, marriages still depend on one's background. Such a clever and charming girl, how could she compare to us?"

"Indeed..."

These words escaped without drawing the attention of the military officials.

First, the Hou family's household was bustling with activity; aside from the gate guards and the three stewards, no one remembered so many faces.

Second, under the bright sky, the military officials were naturally relaxed in their vigilance, no different from those hiding in the shadows.

No one else could conceive that someone would dare walk about in a maid's disguise without a care in the world; even Chen Yi never suspected Pei Wanli's audacity.

After all, he himself had praised her as "a fearless, tiger-like girl," brimming with boldness.

In short, along the way, Pei Wanli encountered no obstacles, smoothly reaching the wing beside the courtyard stables.

"One, two, three... seven, eight. So many rooms, which one does Liu Si Er live in?"

Pei Wanli glanced around, tilting her head thoughtfully, then a sly smile spread across her face.

She cupped her hands to her mouth, singing a tune like she used to in the mountains, and called out clearly:

"Is anyone there?"

"Who is it?"

"A young lady, is a young lady here?"

Like a stone thrown into a pond, ripples spread outward. Two horse attendants emerged, glanced at the pretty young maid, and awkwardly pulled at their collars.

"Young lady, who are you looking for?"

"Which room does Fourth Brother live in? The master and young master left the mansion without their things, saying they were in Fourth Brother's room. I came to check."

"The back room... well, let me take you there. The stables are dirty and messy; we don't want to soil your clothes."

Pei Wanli smiled gratefully, and they led her to Liu Si Er's room.

After they left, she patted her plump chest, muttering under her breath about how scary and frightening it had been, how she needed to make amends with her brother.

But sister, when we say such things, couldn't you smile a little less cheerfully?

(Chapter End)