CUI BUQU was halfway through his bowl of congee when someone picked up the second bowl and took a few sips.
"I got that for myself." Cui Buqu said. He didn't reach out to grab the bowl; that wasn't his style.
"With your appetite, one bowl is more than enough," said Feng Xiao. "Why take a second?"
"That's all the congee left in the inn. I let them serve me whatever they had."
"Daoist Master Cui is the kind of person who'd rather throw away uneaten food than leave it out for me to see. If you left it out, doesn't that mean you wanted me to see it?"
"I already ate from that bowl."
Feng Xiao's hand froze. But after a moment, he continued eating as if nothing had happened.
Cui Buqu looked at him askance. It was hard to believe that, for once, the fastidious Feng-er wasn't complaining.
Swallowing the congee in one gulp, Feng Xiao flashed him a smile. "If you'd really drunk from this bowl, there'd be a mark on the rim. A-Qu, admit it. Is it really so hard to say that you were feeling soft, so you decided to get your companion a bowl of congee?" Before Cui Buqu could retort, he changed the topic: "Before, you said Ning Shewo was heading north. The Jiejian Bureau also received a message that Lin Yong, the young master of Yandang Mountain Estate, recently left home. He's currently in Donghai Commandery."
As expected, Cui Buqu set aside their nonsensical bickering and narrowed his eyes. "So it really is in Donghai Commandery."
Feng Xiao nodded. "Have you had any more news of Ning Shewo's whereabouts?"
"He arrived in Dongchu Province a few days ago. It's only a day's travel from Donghai Commandery. We can presume the two will soon meet."
Feng Xiao and Lin Yong had shared a fair number of chance encounters. While Cui Buqu had been concealing his identity in Liugong City, Feng Xiao had taken Cui Buqu for an accomplice to the Khotanese envoy's murder and detained him. During the Linlang Pavilion auction, Cui Buqu had seen Lin Yong's infatuation with Feng Xiao for himself; the jealous young man had treated Cui Buqu with open hostility.
As for Donghai Commandery, its significance was related to the verses they'd found on Duan Qihu's corpse in Qiemo. The excerpts had at first seemed random, and Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao had spent an afternoon agonizing over them before managing to tease out two place names: Donghai Commandery and Mount Jieshi. But at that time, they'd been unable to narrow it down any further.
Fanning himself, Feng Xiao said, "Mount Jieshi lies in Feiru County, which falls under the jurisdiction of Beiping Commandery. I sent men to both Beiping and Donghai, and they found something interesting." He looked expectantly at Cui Buqu.
"In Tan County near the East Sea, there's a mountain and a pavilion," Cui Buqu said. "The mountain represents 'the mountains of returning,' while the pavilion at its foot represents 'the pavilion of love.' This fits perfectly with the last verse of those poetry excerpts: 'To your side I will return if safe; if dead, my love will never fade.'"
Feng Xiao shrugged. "So you realized it too. It seems there was no need for me to say anything."
"Southern Jinhuan and northern Yandang," Cui Buqu muttered in thought. "The leaders of Jinhuan Guild and Yandang Mountain Estate aren't top-ranked martial artists, but one controls canal transportation in the south, and the other is a family of great wealth in the north. If the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai are planning something big, they'll need money. It isn't strange that they recruited those two."
He set down his bowl and continued. "What I do find strange are Ning Shewo and Lin Yong's motives. Yuxiu wants to help Princess Qianjin. This man has no parents, no worries or fears, and he's a fugitive with nowhere to go. Duan Qihu was also a carefree bandit in his early years. It was only later that he retired from robbery and became the mogul who controlled half of Qiemo. He learned to cherish his life and no longer wished to cooperate with the Thirteen Floors—it was this that led to his death. But Ning Shewo and Lin Yong have no reason to join the Thirteen Floors. How did the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai manage to win them over?"
"What's so strange about it? Everyone has a weakness. Some love wealth, some fear death. And Yuxiu, who neither fears death nor loves wealth, is driven by his regard for Princess Qianjin. Though the Jinhuan Guild has great influence in the south, they established themselves with the help of the emperor of Southern Chen. Ning Shewo's adopted son was at Linlang Pavilion's auction purchasing treasures to bribe the emperor's attendants, wasn't he? Clearly, the Jinhuan Guild loves glory, that's motive enough. As for the Lin family—"
Feng Xiao smiled. "You must have investigated Lin Yong, but I don't imagine you know of a certain incident that took place at Yandang Mountain Estate twenty years ago. At the time, Lin Yong's grandfather had two sons, identical twins. Lin Yong's father was the younger brother; his older brother was to inherit the estate. But around twenty years ago, the older brother went missing on his way home. Lin Yong's grandfather sent out search parties; they looked for a long time before finally discovering the brother's body on the banks of a river. He appeared to have drowned—yet how could a martial artist die by drowning? The matter was never resolved, but Lin Yong's father ended up inheriting the villa." He glanced at Cui Buqu, who was lost in thought. "Are you thinking the younger brother killed the older so he could inherit the estate?"
Cui Buqu first shook his head, then nodded. A look of confusion passed over his face. "I remembered something else, that's all. It's nothing to do with this, so I'll mention it later. But based on what you've said, the brothers must have been very close. Surely it was impossible that he would kill his own brother to inherit the estate?"
Feng Xiao nodded. "What's more, both brothers fell in love with the same maiden. The older brother chose to step aside for his younger brother; he even told his father that he didn't care to inherit the estate. The younger brother had no reason to kill him."
"But what if the supposed younger brother is actually the older brother who was said to have died?" asked Cui Buqu slowly. "If the older brother killed the younger, there would have been no one to compete with him for the estate, and the maiden he loved would be his. They were identical twins, so outsiders might not notice the switch. If their mannerisms were similar enough, he might even have been able to deceive his own family."
For a moment, Feng Xiao was silent. "Why am I sitting here listening to your wild fantasies this early in the morning?"
Because you drank that bowl of congee, Cui Buqu thought.
"Why do my lords look so severe?" called the clear voice of a young maiden. Cui-jiuniang had ambled over to remind them that it was time to set off. She was still dressed in green, but in a different style from yesterday's outfit. Her trim waist had been cinched tighter, and there were green silk ribbons tying up her hair. Like most women, she delighted in dressing up for the one she admired. She felt a burst of joy when Feng Xiao gave her a second look.
"I've already sent someone to inform my grandfather. We should arrive at the Cui residence before noon. My grandfather will welcome you with a feast; both you gentlemen can feel right at home," she rambled, trying to make conversation. Now shy and with no more reason to linger, she followed Doctor Sun out to the front.
"She might be your sibling, but your personalities are nothing alike," remarked Feng Xiao.
Ignoring him, Cui Buqu climbed into the carriage first. Feng Xiao followed close at his heels, determined to pry something out of him. "You've been away for so long. Are you feeling a bit homesick, perhaps? Nervous?"
Cui Buqu sneered. "The Cui family might not be a noble clan from the jianghu, but Cui Yong isn't as accommodating as the young lady makes out. Don't think I'll help you there. If you want Yuyin, Deputy Chief Feng, you'll have to get it yourself!"
***
Feng Xiao soon met Cui Yong, who according to Cui Buqu wasn't accommodating, yet whom Cui-jiuniang had described as friendly.
His hair and beard were white. He wasn't a tall man, but his eyes were bright and razor-sharp, distinguishing him from most men his age. When greeting Cui-jiuniang and Doctor Sun, his voice and manner were gentle, like any ordinary man who had missed his granddaughter and old friend. But the moment he looked at his two new guests, his gaze turned keen and probing.
"Of the three branches of Hedong's Pei clan, tell me, which is Pei-gongzi from?" Cui Yong asked.
Pei, too, was a prominent surname. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, there had been many changes, and branches of the Pei clan had been established in Hedong and Yanjing. These two branches shared a common ancestor and were no less impressive than the Cui clan.
Feng Xiao smiled. "I'm from neither. My ancestors were ordinary people without names. But back in the day, my grandfather managed to secure a temporary post as an official. I was the only son in my generation, so I'm a bit more willful, that's all."
Cui Yong nodded, indifferent. In truth, his interest wasn't in Feng Xiao: ever since the two of them entered, his gaze had darted toward Cui Buqu again and again, his expression inscrutable. "And Feng-gongzi?" he asked.
"About the same as Pei-xiong," said Cui Buqu coolly.
Cui Yong looked thoughtful. "I wonder where Feng-gongzi's ancestral home is?" Without waiting for an answer, he smiled. "Don't misunderstand. I only ask because you look like an old friend of mine."
The corners of Cui Buqu's mouth curved up, but the smile failed to reach his eyes. "I have no father or mother; they've both passed away."
"You have no other relatives?" Cui Yong was taken aback.
"None," said Cui Buqu.
He would have asked more if not for Doctor Sun's timely intervention. "Your Grace, I'm an old man. I can't stand for too long. Our friends are new here; you'll scare them if you interrogate them like this. Better to let them settle in first, then you can all talk at leisure."
Though Doctor Sun was employed by one of the Cui family's pharmacies, he'd known Cui Yong for decades and had treated him frequently as a patient; it wasn't out of place for him to speak frankly.
Glancing at him, Cui Yong clapped a hand to his forehead and smiled. "How rude of me. The two of you have come at just the right time. Tomorrow, we're hosting a literary festival with the theme of pomegranate flowers. Since you're also lovers of brush and ink, you must come and enjoy the excitement."
Feng Xiao had restrained his usual unbridled manner, replacing it with an air of mild pride, as if he were a pretentious greenhorn scholar afraid to set a foot wrong in front of Cui Yong. "We traveled here for that exact purpose. I also hear the newly appointed Governor Yuan will be in attendance."
Cui Yong watched him knowingly. It wasn't unusual for a young man to want to distinguish himself before a new commandery governor in the hopes of climbing the ranks. He stroked his beard and smiled. "That's right. However, this year's festival will have more attendees than ever before. It will be a gathering of outstanding talent. Winning first prize won't be easy, even for a bright young man like yourself."
Feng Xiao met his eyes. "A person can only stand out among a crowd. Talent has nothing to do with age. Even if all the world's talents were present, I'd still have the courage to meet them in battle!"
The corner of Cui Yong's mouth twitched. What a preening idiot. But he maintained his smile as he exclaimed, "Well said! That's the ambition a young man should have!"
He'd noticed Cui-niangzi's too-frequent glances at Feng Xiao, and of course knew what she was thinking. The girl was obviously enamored with his good looks, but this Pei Jingzhe was arrogant and lacked humility, without even the saving grace of a prestigious family. He wasn't a good match for Jiuniang at all.
Cui Yong mentally crossed out Feng Xiao's name. He drew a breath to instruct his servants to prepare the two guest rooms furthest from Jiuniang's when a racket broke out on the other side of the door.
The arguing voices of a man and woman drew nearer. Before Cui Yong could drop his smile and put a stop to it, the couple had barged into the room.
"Let go of me!" The woman struggled desperately to free her wrist from the man's grip.
The man's face was dark with rage. "Father! I want a divorce!"
The woman stopped struggling and began screeching. "How dare you!"
"Why wouldn't I dare!" the man sneered.
"Shut up!" Cui Yong snarled, slamming his hands down on the desk. The pair finally fell silent, no longer daring to yell and scream. Sullen anger lined both their faces.
"We have guests present. How could you behave so deplorably?! Get out, both of you. We'll discuss your problems later!" Cui Yong's gaze was icy. It seemed he was no stranger to his son and daughter-in-law's disputes.
The woman knelt before him. "Father! This accursed Cui Lin dared break the family's rules! He's keeping a mistress in the city and saying he wishes for a divorce. Please give me justice!"
Cui Lin scoffed. "She's a kind-hearted woman, yet you took her for a family servant to abuse as you please! My ultimatum stands. If you touch a single strand of hair on her head, I'll have you punished to the full extent of the law. Even the gods of the immortal realm of Daluo Mountain won't be able to save you then!"
"Get the hell out!" Cui Yong roared.
With this, Feng Xiao had seen enough to infer this couple's identities. The man had to be Cui Lin, the least accomplished of Cui Yong's four sons. He was the youngest legitimate child, said to have been handsome from birth. His parents loved him to the point of spoiling him, and as a result, he had reached middle age having achieved absolutely nothing. Even handling his own family affairs was beyond his capabilities; his father had to mediate for him.
It was difficult to imagine someone so unexceptional could possibly be Cui Buqu's father.
Tears welled up in Cui-jiuniang's eyes as she watched her parents argue in front of their guests. It was horribly embarrassing, even more so because she'd taken a liking to one of them.
Feng Xiao was still watching the show when he heard Cui Buqu speak up. "Duke Cui, please don't mind us. We'll take our leave."
Cui Yong forced a smile. "Jiuniang, have someone take the two gentlemen to their rooms and see Doctor Sun out."
Cui-jiuniang quickly assented. Head down, she led Doctor Sun and the others away, afraid to even look at Feng Xiao as she did. But as Cui Buqu turned to leave with them, he was stopped by Cui Lin.
"Wait." Cui Lin took a few steps toward him, a queer expression coming over his face. "Who are you?" He reached out to grab Cui Buqu, as if to pull him in for a closer look.
He was blocked by a fan.
Feng Xiao smiled thinly. "Please have some self-respect."
Cui Lin ignored Feng Xiao, his eyes never leaving Cui Buqu. "You look…familiar."
The ghost of a smile crept over Cui Buqu's face. "Surely I look like many people."
Cui Lin looked a bit awkward but persisted in saying, "You really do look like…"
"Sanlang!" Cui Yong said sharply. Cui Lin pressed his lips shut.
Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu left side by side. The faint sounds of Cui Yong scolding his son and daughter-in-law followed them through the door.
"The Cui clan is a prestigious family, yet it seems petty infighting is unavoidable even within this lofty manor!" Feng Xiao shook open his fan and waved it with a sigh. "A-Qu, it's really so fortunate you didn't grow up here. Just think, you might have ended up like Cui Lin. It'd be better to bash your head against a wall and die!"
"The Cui clan isn't without remarkable individuals," said Cui Buqu. "The fourth son, Cui Pei, was born out of wedlock, but he's been brilliant his entire life and is famed for his poetry. The remaining two sons are thoroughly mediocre, but neither of them is as much of a bastard as Cui Lin."
His tone was bland; it certainly didn't sound like he was talking about his own father. Feng Xiao began to wonder if he'd speculated wrongly.
Designating a man a hero based on the circumstances of his birth was a foolish thing to do. Throughout history, great men had never been held back by their origins. Feng Xiao didn't believe knowing his opponent's background would confer any advantage. Despite this, his curiosity about Cui Buqu was increasing by the day—not the curiosity one might hold toward an opponent, but a genuine interest in the man himself.
He hadn't yet delved into his own thoughts deeply enough to realize the incongruity there.
A garden was laid out next to the Cui manor, intended specifically for entertaining guests. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao were brought to two side rooms near the rockery, and on pushing open the door, they found a winding path and a small pond. The Cui clan had assigned two beautiful maids to personally attend them. Everything had been thoughtfully arranged for their comfort, and even Deputy Chief Feng, a man accustomed to luxury, was completely satisfied.
Cui Buqu couldn't resist mocking him. "Cui Yong is hoping you'll be seduced by the maids, and Cui-jiuniang will see how shallow a man she's set her sights on. Alas, Cui Yong could never imagine how unworthy you deem the rest of us. The only one you'd jump to marry is your own reflection!"
Feng Xiao chuckled. "Ququ, have you noticed you're especially cutting when you're unhappy?"
"No," Cui Buqu said expressionlessly.
Feng Xiao patted his shoulder. "It's very cute. Keep it up!"
Cui Buqu looked at him like he was an idiot.
Suddenly Feng Xiao leaned in. Cui Buqu frowned, flinching back, but a quick hand on his wrist stopped him and dragged him forward. Feng Xiao's expression was warm and intimate, as if he was about to share a secret. "There's plenty of baggage between you and the Cui family. Even if you act like they're strangers, they make you uneasy. Yet you still came with me to find Yuyin. Are you really doing it for my sake?"
Cui Buqu was silent a moment, then slowly said, "The Zuoyue Bureau has discovered that Cui Yong's eldest son, who manages their finances and most of their shops, has been exchanging private messages with Southern Chen's Linchuan Academy. He's been secretly providing them with financial aid. In the last year, at least a thousand silver taels' worth of food and grain has flowed from the Cui family's stores down to the south via the Jinhuan Guild."
The Jiejian Bureau, the Zuoyue Bureau. The first collected intelligence within the courts of foreign nations. The second kept their eyes on the tangle of interactions within the jianghu. Though their scope of interest might occasionally overlap, their duties had been clearly delineated from the day of their establishment. That the Zuoyue Bureau had obtained leads from Linchuan Academy that were unknown to the Jiejian Bureau didn't surprise Feng Xiao.
"And here I thought you'd learned the pleasure of leisure. You came to handle yet another case."
"It's not just the case," Cui Buqu said breezily. "I meant it when I said I don't hate the Cui family. But I never claimed I don't hate Cui Yong and Cui Lin." The hint of a smile played around his lips. "I came to watch a centuries-old branch of the Cui clan collapse overnight."
***
The explosive argument Cui Lin had with his wife in front of his father had yet to be resolved. His father had given them both a tongue-lashing, leaving Cui Lin frustrated and unsatisfied. The more he thought about it, the glummer he became. He was too down even to visit his mistress; he left his quarters and wandered at random until his feet took him to Dingshi Garden where the guests resided.
The events of twenty years ago were little more than a distant memory, but Cui Buqu's arrival had stirred his recollections. This man wasn't a Cui, but his eyes were so familiar. Cui Lin couldn't shake his disquiet.
Twenty years ago, he'd made the biggest mistake of his life. It was a secret he wanted to keep buried, one that should never see the light of day. It was also the reason he was still chained at Cui Yong's side, forbidden from taking a single step out of Boling Commandery.
Within Boling Commandery, the Cui family's word carried more weight even than that of the county magistrate. Cui Yong refused to let Cui Lin leave, and Cui Lin lacked the courage to defy his father. This interdiction had extinguished all his youthful ambitions. What was left for him here beyond indulging in women?
Cui Lin fumed with indignance. He recalled Cui Buqu's face again. Not only did they have the same eyes, they had the same cold and indifferent gaze. It was only that Cui Buqu was less beautiful and thus less eye-catching. Anxiety and curiosity burned in Cui Lin's heart. The flames licked higher and higher, and he yearned to release the pressure. He thought, then thought again. Eventually, he couldn't bear it: He had to see Cui Buqu. It was the only way he could put his mind at ease.
When he arrived outside Cui Buqu's guest room, he saw Cui Buqu's maid step out with a water basin. She was murmuring to herself, a look of puzzlement on her face.
"Bai Yu." Cui Lin called. "Is that Feng-gongzi's room?"
The maid bowed hastily. "Feng-gongzi and Pei-gongzi went out."
Cui Lin frowned. "At such a late hour?"
She hesitated. "Feng-gongzi gave this maid a new name. She is no longer Bai Yu."
"He's just a passing stranger," Cui Lin said with displeasure. "How dare he change your name?"
"Feng-gongzi said it's an excellent name," said the maid, "and the lords of the Cui family would surely like it. But this maid found it strange. It's…it's Yu Mo."
"With what characters?" said Cui Lin impatiently. "Fish Ink?"
"Feng-gongzi said it's Yu as in surplus. Mo as in jasmine."
Yu Mo, Yu Mo. The name seemed to echo in his ears. Cui Lin's eyes went wide, as if he'd seen a ghost.
Yu Mo!