Chapter 117: Finding Out

It’s already late at night.

The wilderness was vast and desolate. Outside the dilapidated temple, the Heavenly Sect members were still on guard, partly to prevent an ambush and partly hoping that the group that went to the east gate might return soon.

Inside the temple, there was only one fire.

Zhang Zhe’s gaze met Meng Yang’s directly.

From his expression, it was clear that Meng Yang had misunderstood something.

But Zhang Zhe didn’t explain. He walked over to the fire, sat down next to Meng Yang, picked up a branch, and gently broke it, throwing it into the fire. The reddish glow illuminated his face, which seemed calm yet somewhat lost.

Meng Yang’s hair, which had been covering his face, was now partially pushed back, revealing most of his face. Surprisingly, he didn’t look fierce at all; instead, he had a serene, almost meditative calmness, not at all like someone who could kill over fifty members of his own family.

But how many truly evil people in the world have faces that clearly show their wickedness?

A slight smile appeared on his lips.

His gaze swept over the people already asleep around him, and he didn’t mind being overheard. In a hoarse, knife-like voice, he said, “A few years ago, before I was imprisoned, I heard that Gu Chunfang from Henan had a capable subordinate who was very perceptive and skilled at solving cases. Master Zhang’s reputation for integrity precedes you. I didn’t expect to meet you in a place like this. Even someone like you is colluding with the Heavenly Sect, truly…”

He didn’t finish his sentence but clicked his tongue, the meaning clear.

Meng Yang held a slightly thicker branch, gently stirring the fire, causing sparks to fly.

Sitting by the fire, the cold was much less intense.

Zhang Zhe’s gaze fell on the branch in Meng Yang’s hand. He listened to Meng Yang’s words for a long time without speaking.

It wasn’t until the branch caught fire that he calmly said, “You are from Changping, from a wealthy family. At twenty, you married a beautiful wife. But within two years, she hanged herself at home, taking her unborn child with her. Heartbroken, you became a monk, taking the name ‘Zhancheng,’ and entered a monastery. Years later, you learned that your wife was killed by your family for her wealth and to arrange a marriage with a high official’s daughter. Enraged, you returned home with a monk’s knife, set fire to the back door to prevent escape, locked the front door, and killed everyone inside, including your father, brothers, nephews, and nieces, the oldest being sixty-two and the youngest thirteen. By dawn, the only survivor was a dog you had raised years ago.”

“Snap,” the branch in Meng Yang’s hand suddenly broke.

The broken piece fell into the fire and quickly burned.

His eyes finally showed a hint of bloodlust, but he smiled: “As expected of Master Zhang, you know this too.”

Zhang Zhe spoke of these things without much emotion. He had handled too many tragic cases to be moved by them. He simply said, “You were imprisoned and awaiting trial for a long time, originally sentenced to be executed in the autumn. Your case passed through the Ministry of Justice, where I work, so I naturally saw your file.”

In other words, Zhang Zhe knew more about Meng Yang than anyone else.

This was something Meng Yang hadn’t expected.

He suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of danger towards Zhang Zhe, who seemed so ordinary.

Zhang Zhe appeared unaware of this fear. His cold eyes reflected the firelight as he said, “You killed over fifty people in your family. Regardless of the reason, your crime is unforgivable. When your case reached the Ministry of Justice, you were sentenced to be executed in the autumn. But someone intervened, claiming there were doubts about your wife’s suicide, and you were only imprisoned, not executed. That’s why your case has been delayed.”

Someone like Meng Yang deserved to die a thousand times.

Despite the danger, Zhang Zhe didn’t hide his feelings, finally looking directly at Meng Yang: “I’m curious who is behind you, powerful enough to delay your execution.”

Meng Yang still held a branch, his dirty but serene face illuminated by the warm firelight, looking like a Buddha in a temple. He said, “I became a monk at Baima Temple. The monk who ordained me was called Yuanji, who has studied Buddhism for four or five years. If Master Zhang is so curious, why not guess?”

Baima Temple, Monk Yuanji.

Isn’t that the current national teacher appointed by Emperor Shen Lang?

The ordination was probably true.

But Zhang Zhe didn’t respond because things were not as simple as they seemed. If Monk Yuanji had done this, it would have been too obvious, with the entire court watching.

*

In winter, dawn comes late.

Xie Wei, who never slept well at night and was used to waking early, got up while it was still dark. He had caught a chill the previous night and started coughing.

Jian Shu, hearing him get up, called for someone to attend to him.

Hearing him cough, Jian Shu said, “Doctor Liu’s medicine worked well before. Shall I prepare a dose for you?”

Xie Wei frowned slightly, “No need.”

He washed briefly and went to his desk, looking through the documents piled there. They were either court papers or secret reports from the Heavenly Sect, all of which annoyed him.

Jian Shu had prepared to report on the Heavenly Sect’s matters but saw Xie Wei sitting motionless at his desk and was puzzled. He said, “The group that broke into the prison left a mark at the city gate, heading towards Yanzhuang. The sect leader ordered another group to meet them at their temporary hideout, but we don’t know who they are yet. Should I find out?”

Xie Wei ignored him and suddenly asked, “Is there nothing else?”

Jian Shu was stunned.

Xie Wei coughed again, his pale face illuminated by the lamp, showing a hint of lingering illness. He pushed the documents aside and walked towards the front hall, saying, “It’s almost the New Year. Find out what the young girls in the capital like these days and prepare a birthday gift list for me to review.”

What do young girls like?

A birthday gift?

Who has a birthday in January?

Jian Shu searched his mind but couldn’t remember anyone with a birthday in January. However, when he thought about Xie Wei’s use of the term “little girl,” he suddenly understood and was secretly amazed.

Unlike Lu Xian, who dared to be loud in front of Xie Wei, Jian Shu only dared to be surprised in his mind. Outwardly, he showed no sign of it, as if he had received an important task, and solemnly said, “Yes.”

The Zhaoqin Hall was still dark.

Xie Wei entered and lit a lamp.

On the table by the window, the beech wood board for making a qin was already shaped but not yet assembled or lacquered. He placed the lamp on the windowsill, rolled up his sleeves, and picked up a carving knife. Just as he was about to carve the details, his fingers paused.

He suddenly thought—

Although the little girl’s qin was an ancient one, old instruments might not always produce the best sound. The saying “new is not as good as old” might be a fallacy. A newly carved qin would make a good birthday gift, but he had been too busy lately and was slow in making it. He feared the qin wouldn’t be finished in time for her birthday.

This thought crossed his mind.

After a pause, Xie Wei lowered his head and continued carving the qin.

Jian Shu watched, feeling that Xie Wei seemed preoccupied, but when was he not? The incident at the Yongyi Marquis’s residence had been thrilling but ultimately a clever move, waiting to be used in the future. However, leaving that house and the capital must have caused Xie Wei some distress, even if he didn’t show it.

Jian Shu didn’t dare ask what to do with the documents piled on the desk.

He waited at the door, not daring to disturb.

It was still early, and most people hadn’t risen yet.

The surroundings were quiet.

So any footsteps would be particularly noticeable.

Jian Shu had just stepped out when he heard footsteps from the front yard.

It was a servant.

The servant came to the Zhaoqin Hall and whispered, “Someone is asking to see you, saying it’s urgent. The person claims to be Zhou Yinzhi, a commander of the Jinyiwei.”

Zhou Yinzhi?

Jian Shu had heard of him but didn’t have a good impression.

He frowned, “Did he say what it’s about?”

The servant replied, “No.”

Jian Shu guessed Xie Wei wouldn’t see him, but since they had never dealt with this person before, he didn’t dare refuse outright and went to ask Xie Wei.

As expected, Xie Wei said, “I won’t see him.”

Officials visiting him usually had the same few reasons, which became tiresome over time. Unless there was something to plan, he preferred to keep to himself and not deal with others.

Especially today.

Jian Shu was about to send Zhou Yinzhi away.

But just as he reached the door, Xie Wei’s carving knife paused.

He suddenly said, “Let him in.”

Jian Shu didn’t understand why he changed his mind but quickly complied, instructing the servant to bring Zhou Yinzhi in.

It was late at night, and Zhou Yinzhi was still wearing the same clothes from the previous night. His flying fish robe was damp with sweat and mist.

As soon as he entered, Xie Wei saw that he hadn’t slept.

Otherwise, a Jinyiwei commander wouldn’t need to dress like this so early.

Xie Wei asked, “I have no dealings with the Jinyiwei. Why have you come so early, Commander Zhou? What urgent matter is this?”

It was Zhou Yinzhi’s first visit to the Xie residence.

The events of the previous night were beyond his ability to handle. As dawn approached and he still couldn’t find Jiang Xuening, he knew he had to inform someone. But should he tell Jiang Boyou first? Zhou Yinzhi didn’t dare. If the matter was exposed, he would be in serious trouble for secretly arranging a visit to the prison and for the disappearance of an official’s daughter. He might not even solve the problem.

After sitting in the cell for half an hour, he decided to visit the Xie residence.

He had no choice but to gamble!

Xie Wei was Jiang Xuening’s teacher at the Fengchen Hall. Although Zhou Yinzhi didn’t fully understand Jiang Xuening’s intentions in the previous incident with the Heavenly Sect, he sensed a close relationship between her and Xie Wei.

After all, Xie Wei was one of the “Three Solitaries” of the court.

If Xie Wei intervened, it would be more reliable than Zhou Yinzhi trying to handle it himself.

With a determined expression, Zhou Yinzhi bowed to Xie Wei and said, “The Heavenly Sect rebels broke into the prison. Second Miss Jiang was in the prison at the time and is now missing.”

“Screech!”

In the silent Zhaoqin Hall, the sound of the carving knife scratching the qin board was sharp and piercing. The knife left a deep gouge in the wood, even cutting into Xie Wei’s finger, drawing blood.

This qin couldn’t be finished.

This thought suddenly crossed Xie Wei’s mind. He stared at the deep gouge for a moment, then slowly turned to Zhou Yinzhi, as if he hadn’t heard clearly, and gently asked, “Who did you say?”

*

It was also early morning.

The people resting in the dilapidated temple gradually woke up.

The fire had gone out, leaving only a few glowing embers.

The white mist enveloped the surrounding mountains, turning the distant and nearby scenery into shades of black, white, and gray. However, amidst the thick fog, the sound of horse hooves could be heard.

The sentries outside the temple had been waiting for a long time.

Hearing the sound of hooves, they called out, “They’re here!” Everyone inside was immediately invigorated.

Jiang Xuening had slept well and had just woken up. As she sat up, she felt an outer robe slide off her body and realized that Zhang Zhe was no longer in the room. The robe she had been covered with was clearly the one he had worn the previous day.

The robe carried a faint, fresh scent.

She was momentarily dazed, gently touching the finely stitched collar and sleeves, her heart pounding with mixed emotions. In this new life, she was already happy to see him well, but fate had been too kind, giving her the chance to share hardships with him…

Jiang Xuening suddenly smiled. Despite feeling sore from sleep, she quickly got out of bed, folded the robe, and walked out of the room.

Everyone was standing outside the temple.

She saw Zhang Zhe standing at the threshold, looking outside. Meng Yang, who had caused a stir the previous day, was still sitting in the corner, in almost the same position. It was unclear if he hadn’t moved all night or had moved and returned.

Jiang Xuening didn’t care.

She walked past him and stood next to Zhang Zhe: “Master Zhang, your robe.”

It seemed the Heavenly Sect’s reinforcements had arrived.

Zhang Zhe was wondering who had come when he heard her voice and turned to see the recently awakened girl standing beside him. Her left cheek bore a faint red mark, likely from the pillow or his robe’s collar.

He was momentarily stunned before taking the robe.

The robe now carried her fragrance, and he held it without putting it on.

Through the thick fog outside the temple, the newcomers finally appeared.

It was a group of skilled riders.

About twenty riders, with two leading the way, stopped swiftly in front of the temple.

Huang Qian immediately greeted them: “Grand Master Zuo, Young Master Dingfei, we’ve been waiting for you.”

The two leading riders were an old man and a young man.

The old man, with white hair and wrinkled skin, dressed as a wandering doctor, was Feng Mingyu, sent from the main headquarters in Jinling to oversee the Tongzhou branch. He was highly respected, known as “Grand Master Zuo,” a title indicating his high status.

The young man was handsome, with striking features, dressed in fine clothes, and carrying a sword. His charming demeanor and captivating eyes made girls blush and their hearts race.

Others couldn’t help but admire his appearance.

Jiang Xuening’s face changed drastically upon seeing him, a chill running from her feet to her head, her mouth twitching slightly: Oh no, it’s him!

The young man was none other than Xiao Dingfei, whom she knew from her previous life!

Feng Mingyu, being older, struggled with the rough ride and looked unwell as he dismounted with assistance, gasping, “If not for the sect leader’s order, who would risk this? Where is Master Gongyi?”

He finally had a chance to look around.

But he immediately noticed something was wrong. Besides the Heavenly Sect members, there were many people in dirty prison clothes.

Huang Qian knew the situation was tricky and quickly whispered to Feng Mingyu about the events of the previous night.

Xiao Dingfei dismounted and stood nearby, listening.

Jiang Xuening stood beside Zhang Zhe, noticing Huang Qian glancing at Zhang Zhe several times while speaking, making her heart race. She had known in her previous life that Xiao Dingfei had deep ties with the Heavenly Sect, but seeing it firsthand was shocking! This man was destined to return to the Xiao family, holding such an important position. Did he know the true identity of “Du Junshan”?

Feng Mingyu frowned after listening, instinctively looking towards Zhang Zhe at the back of the crowd.

Xiao Dingfei also listened carefully.

But…

Du Junshan?

He raised an eyebrow, casually pressing his sword, and took a few steps forward, standing in front of the temple, scrutinizing Zhang Zhe with a playful smile: “So you are the elusive ‘Du Junshan’ of our sect?”

Zhang Zhe frowned upon hearing Huang Qian call “Young Master Dingfei,” vaguely feeling he had heard the name before but unsure of the person’s identity. He was about to respond.

But Jiang Xuening, standing beside him, suddenly tugged his sleeve.

He instinctively held back his words.

The gesture wasn’t large, but in the solemn atmosphere, it wasn’t small either.

Xiao Dingfei, standing nearby, easily noticed.

He glanced to the side and was surprised to see the “boy” beside Zhang Zhe. Despite the dirt on the face, the features were strikingly beautiful. The exposed fingertips were white and delicate, the collar revealing smooth, fair skin, making one imagine a captivating allure.

A woman?

Xiao Dingfei, not being a proper gentleman, immediately forgot any urgent matters, his charming eyes filled with interest, his gaze fixed on Jiang Xuening: “I didn’t expect you to bring a woman at such a critical time. What’s your name, miss?”

Yesterday, some had noticed something off about the person beside Zhang Zhe, suspecting either a girl or a delicate boy.

But being seasoned individuals, no one exposed it. Who would have thought this “Young Master Dingfei” from the Heavenly Sect would directly reveal it, asserting she was a woman and even asking her name?!

Jiang Xuening thought: This scoundrel should be sent back to the Xiao family immediately to understand what “karma” means!

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