Chapter 370: Mo Baiyi! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 370: Mò Báiyī! (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

The next day.

The sky was dim, the rain lingered.

Travelers hurried past in quick succession.

Looking out, the street was lined with figures in conical sleeves and oil-paper umbrellas, their carriages passing through in a steady stream.

Each carriage was identical—dark green in hue, drawn by red-date horses.

Even the drivers wore the same attire—black robes of the Execution Bureau.

Inside the carriages, the faint outline of a man in manacles, his face gaunt, could be seen.

It was the prisoners Ye Jinxie and Zhu Lingcheng, being escorted to the Kyoto Prefecture.

Originally, the Execution Bureau had planned to have these criminals march thousands of miles, but the orders from the White Tiger Guard’s Jin Qifu, a female officer, demanded they reach the Kyoto Prefecture within ten days.

Thus, the offices dispatched carriages, finally allowing these offenders to ride.

As the carriages moved through the streets, the common folk, recognizing the prisoners inside, began to mutter in anger and curses.

Some said, "These rascals have finally been caught—they deserve to walk the path to Hell for eternity."

Others lamented, "If only we had executed them in Shuzhou, I would have spat in their faces."

Still others declared, "They don’t deserve to ride in carriages—they should die from hard labor."

Amid the clamor and uproar, the procession exited the northern city gate, heading straight for the Kyoto Prefecture.

Behind the carriages, two horses—one black, one white—galloped side by side.

Upon them sat two figures: Zhou Yu Xue and Fang Hongxie, their attire different but their expressions grave as they scanned their surroundings.

The tranquil official road, flanked by dense trees and foliage, echoed with the soft patter of raindrops on leaves and branches.

The mountain wind sighed and moaned.

At that moment, the northern city gate was busy with carriages coming and going, mostly from the north.

Hence, the long procession of the Execution Bureau drew particular attention.

Adding to this, the prisoners inside were major offenders from Shuzhou, their family clans intertwined in complex networks, raising the possibility of someone daring to take risks.

Zhou Yu Xue and Fang Hongxie, naturally cautious, acted accordingly.

After traveling fifty miles with no incident, they began to relax slightly.

Fang Hongxie glanced sideways at Zhou Yu Xue and, after a moment, asked, "Zhou Jinfu, there’s something I’m unsure how to ask..."

Zhou Yu Xue glanced at her, then looked around, and calmly spoke a single character:

"Ask."

"Within the Execution Bureau, there are numerous households under its jurisdiction, along with a director and deputy director. Why did you single me out to accompany you to the Kyoto Prefecture?"

"As fellow women... that’s all."

"Is that so?"

Fang Hongxie, upon hearing this, expressed some disbelief.

According to prior arrangements within the Bureau, this escort of Zhu Lingcheng was of great importance and required a seasoned, reputable person to oversee it.

Originally, it was to be the deputy director, Zhang Han, accompanied by either Huang Zhuo or Han Ruijian.

Fang Hongxie, having recently been promoted to the rank of household head, had never left Shuzhou and lacked sufficient experience.

Thus, upon receiving the notice, she had felt some surprise.

Especially when Han Ruijian mentioned that this matter was personally chosen by the chief of the White Tiger Guard, Jin Qifu, a female officer.

Her doubts grew even stronger.

At that moment, upon hearing Zhou Yu Xue’s response, Fang Hongxie, though still somewhat puzzled, did not press the matter further.

Zhou Yu Xue understood the true reason clearly.

Yet she clearly would not speak it aloud.

"Fang household head, it would be better to focus your thoughts on the safety of this journey than on these trivial matters."

"The noble one speaks wisely..."

Fang Hongxie took a deep breath, saying no more, and spurred her horse forward toward the front.

In the sound of hooves, she rode ahead, growing distant.

"All carriages, increase speed—we must reach the Jingzhou border before nightfall."

"Yes!"

Zhou Yu Xue saw the carriages accelerate, and followed the procession without hurry or delay, heading northward.

At a certain moment,

She reined in her horse, turned, and looked back southward.

The figure she had hoped to see did not appear.

Instead, she saw a flock of sparrows and starlings, startled by the sound of hooves, scattering into the air.

In the vast rain and wind, the birds dispersed.

Zhou Yu Xue lowered her eyes, her heart sinking.

Pausing for a moment,

She flicked her whip and rode on, continuing forward.

...

Eight days later.

October 11.

The first day of winter.

Zhou Yu Xue and Fang Hongxie rushed and hurried, finally arriving at the boundaries of the Kyoto Prefecture.

The further they traveled from Shuzhou, the more relaxed they became.

No dangers had arisen, the prisoners’ families had not taken risks,

Nor had bandits or tyrants, seeing the Execution Bureau’s banner, dared to approach.

The only complications were their rushed schedule—several horses and a few elderly prisoners had perished.

The rest, however, passed without concern.

They paid little heed to matters.

Of course, they occasionally heard news from Shuzhou and would sometimes listen in.

Take Shu Zhou's annual examination— the divergence between southern expedition and northern campaign. Nothing new under the sun. Some say go south, others say go north. The closer Luo Yu Xue and others get to Jingdu Fu, the louder the call for a northern expedition becomes. Some scholars of considerable reputation even compiled regulations such as "Nine Chapters for the Northern Expedition," aiming to contribute their part to the court. Luo Yu Xue undoubtedly understood these scholars' intentions. In times of prosperity, they serve the ruler; in times of chaos, they all shrink back and become hermits. Speaking in their own words, "The Confucian way of governance and peace cannot be paired with the military." Yet they never thought— even sages have the saying of an "outer sage and inner king." Can a deviation from the Way of the Duke of Zhou ensure lasting peace for a nation? In times of great conflict, only by combining monarchical and hegemonic power can one sweep across the world. Sometimes a bit of chaos is not a bad thing. When Fang Hong Xiu arrived at the towering walls of Jingdu Fu, Luo Yu Xue signaled the carriage to rest. Fang Hong Xiu donned her sleeves, mounted her horse, and approached, dismounting to fetch two water skins, handing one to her. "The Golden Flag Officer...?" "Call me Chi Huo." "Chi Huo, the Female Tiger, dare you ask if those people who entered Jingdu Fu should be imprisoned in the White Tiger Guard's inner prison?" Luo Yu Xue saw that Fang Hong Xiu insisted on including "the lord" in her words, and no longer urged further, taking the water skin, drinking as she spoke: "Send them to the judicial bureau for imprisonment." Fang Hong Xiu paused, bowed his head, and said yes. Just as he was about to rise, Luo Yu Xue waved him over: "After entering the city, I will not accompany you to the magistrate's office; you take people there." Fang Hong Xiu bowed again, clearly understanding that the White Tiger Guard and their judicial bureau were the most secretive and ruthless offices of the Dali dynasty. Thus, throughout the journey, she walked cautiously. Whenever unnecessary, she almost avoided meeting Luo Yu Xue. Luo Yu Xue scrutinized her, and in his eyes flickered a hint of relief, murmuring softly: "How rare to visit Jingdu Fu once. If you have time, I will seek you again." Fang Hong Xiu paused, puzzled, staring at her. Luo Yu Xue met her gaze and said, "Meeting once, I will take you around Jingdu Fu's splendor." Fang Hong Xiu intended to refuse outright, but thinking of their arduous journey, she nodded in agreement. "Thank you, my lord." Luo Yu Xue hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze turning toward the distant Jingdu Fu, where the imperial palace could be faintly seen. "If I have no time, or do not seek you, I hope that after you return to Shu Zhou, you will deliver a message to one person." "Oh?" "Tell Liu Wu... I am waiting for him in Jiangnan Fu." Quickly finishing, Luo Yu Xue seemed to exert all his strength, mounting his horse and galloping straight toward Jingdu Fu. Fang Hong Xiu watched her silhouette fade into the distance, standing still for a long time before calling others to resume their journey. Yet her heart held more questions. "Did she know about my contact with Liu Wu?" "And she asked me to deliver a message... to wait in Jiangnan Fu... for Liu Wu?" "This, this White Tiger Guard's Golden Flag Officer—how, how..." Fang Hong Xiu, though unfamiliar with love's pains, had read many tales from the Jianghu. She immediately thought of countless similar scenarios— the devoted servant, the lovesick woman. "So the White Tiger Guard's Golden Flag Officer is also human... a normal person." Though puzzled, she watched that figure grow ever farther away, knowing she could not catch up, and led her group toward the magistrate's office. Meanwhile, after entering the city, Luo Yu Xue did not linger, heading straight to the five-story building near the imperial palace. At that moment, his mask of the White Tiger Guard remained unremoved, only a hood and veil atop his head to shield the common folk. Though the White Tiger Guard's reputation had improved over the years, the past left a poor impression. Even today, many still whispered about their sinister ways. In Luo Yu Xue's view, they were all haunted by their own imaginations. After all, ordinary citizens had no need for the White Tiger Guard to intervene. Not long after, Luo Yu Xue led his horse to the palace walls, glanced up at the not-so-obscure pavilion, and walked toward it. After verifying his identity, he was led by a man in red robes and mask to the third floor's depths. The man gestured for silence, then lightly knocked on the door. "My lord, the Golden Flag Officer Chi Huo has arrived." A lazy voice replied from within: "Let her in." "Yes." The red-robed man bowed again, glanced at Luo Yu Xue, and silently departed. Luo Yu Xue did not hesitate, removing his hood, pushing open the wooden door, and bowing low as he entered: "Your servant, Chi Huo, humbly presents himself." Silence followed. Luo Yu Xue still heard no response, hesitated a moment, then dared to slightly raise his head, his eyes meeting a pair of eyes that seemed to smile but not quite smile, startling him into bowing his head again. The man before him saw this, smiled gently, and asked, "Chi Huo, disregard the formalities." "Yes." Luo Yu Xue straightened, standing respectfully before him. Glancing sideways, he instinctively swept his eyes around, seeing nothing but empty space, only the long table in front with the man's shadow behind. He dared not be too bold, only seeing the other's chest. Meanwhile, the host seated at the table wore a pure white mask, observing him with interest. "Do you know why I summoned you here?"

Lou Yushu hesitated, thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, "I, your servant, dare not presume—please, Your Lordship, make it clear to me."

On the way here, she of course had some suspicions.

Most likely, they concerned her identity within the Pavilion of Bright Moon, or the affairs that had recently unfolded in Shu Zhou.

But suspicions were mere suspicions; she found it hard to voice them before Your Lordship, lest she guessed wrongly and invited scorn.

The White-faced Lord smiled and said, "These years you have concealed within the Pavilion of Bright Moon, your merits are renowned—I ought to pay you a visit."

Lou Yushu felt a chill in her heart, weighing her words carefully: "Your Lordship is too generous. The tigress stands here today, all thanks to the cultivation by Wei Li."

Though this was her first meeting with Your Lordship, she sensed something different from the impressions she had previously gathered.

By all accounts, Your Lordship had never once smiled in his life.

Even when he praised someone, his words were brief and to the point.

How different from today's manner...

The White-faced Lord seemed to perceive her caution, placing a hand under his chin and stroking it lightly, his eyes flashing with a hint of realization before clearing his throat and speaking:

"Enough of idle talk."

"This visit is for two purposes."

"First, the situation in Jiangnan Prefecture is delicate; once you arrive there, you must act with utmost caution."

Lou Yushu bowed her head slightly. "As Your Lordship commands."

The White-faced Lord nodded, then continued, "You should know that the Pavilion of Bright Moon is supported by the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild."

"According to Wei Li's investigations over the years, every family and clan in Jiangnan Prefecture, great or small, has been involved with the Ji Zhou Merchant Guild."

"They not only trade with the North Moor, but also dispatch ships to sea, earning vast sums from the Wa countries to the east and the Malay regions to the south."

"These funds all flow into Jiangnan Prefecture, to the point that the local gentry and clans have grown ever more powerful."

Pausing, his tone turned cold: "A household in Jinling that has existed for less than a century has cultivated hundreds of guards."

"If you uncover anything, you must not act rashly or make false accusations."

Upon hearing this, Lou Yushu straightened, her expression grave.

"Your servant will surely remember Your Lordship's admonitions!"

"There's more: the Pavilion of Bright Moon has been active in Jiangnan Prefecture of late. Once you arrive there, you should investigate their purposes."

"Yes..."

After a lengthy explanation, Lou Yushu had only heard about the current state of Jiangnan Prefecture, and not the second matter Your Lordship intended to discuss.

Just as she was hesitating, the White-faced Lord asked, "Heard that you've grown acquainted with that 'Dragon-Tiger' in Shu Zhou?"

Lou Yushu startled, then quickly bowed her head in greeting: "Your Lordship, please forgive me—I, your servant, do not know the 'Dragon-Tiger' well. I humbly beg Your Lordship to... to examine things thoroughly."

"Is that so?"

His eyes flickered with a smile, half-hidden, half-not: "Then tell me—what is your impression of him?"

"Impression... your servant, your servant... has not a favorable impression of him..."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed..."

Lou Yushu lowered her head, her brow dripping with sweat despite the cool air.

Silence reigned in the chamber.

So still that one could hear her heartbeat.

After a moment, the White-faced Lord finally smiled, "Then go prepare yourself."

"There's still matters awaiting you in Jinling—cleaning up a mess."

"Yes!"

Lou Yushu bowed once more and exited the chamber.

Only after she had walked far enough away did she relax, though her heart remained taut with tension.

Why had Your Lordship asked about Liu Wu?

Could it be...

No wonder, Lou Yushu thought, her mind racing with surprise and bewilderment.

She had always felt that the reason for Your Lordship summoning her to the Capital was tied to Jiangnan Prefecture, yet it was not the primary cause.

The true reason lay in one thing—"Dragon-Tiger" Liu Wu.

Lou Yushu suddenly realized this, quickening her pace. She needed to find Fang Hongxiong and urgently convey the message to Liu Wu.

"Wang Ba... I can do only this much. Please be careful."

Yet Lou Yushu was unaware that on the fifth floor above, a figure stood with hands clasped behind his back, silently watching her depart.

It was Chen Xuanji, dressed in his leisure attire.

He watched her go, then softly spoke, "Come."

Not long after, the White-faced Lord, who had previously met Lou Yushu, sauntered casually up to the fifth floor.

He gazed around, stretched lazily, yawned, and muttered, "This place has grown dull after all this time."

When Chen Xuanji remained silent, the White-faced Lord removed his cap, revealing a middle-aged man of around forty. He scoffed, "You're no different—dull as hell."

Chen Xuanji looked at him, his voice even: "Brother Mo, I told you to keep me at the White Tiger Guard, not for leisure."

Mo Baiyi, his name, raised an eyebrow: "So what then?"

"If you're not satisfied, feel free to send me back."

Chen Xuanji stared at him without speaking.

Mo Baiyi mouthed a few words, then bowed his head in resignation: "Master Chen, Elder Chen, ancestor Chen—there are matters, please give orders, I'll see them through."

Chen Xuanji glanced at him for a moment, then turned his gaze toward the imperial city beyond, watching the towering walls bristling with soldiers and armor.

"His Majesty has commanded me to depart south tomorrow..."

(Chapter Complete)