XIAO-LIU HAD SEEN Feng Xiao leave the relay station with his own eyes and knew he wouldn't be back anytime soon. Even if Feng Xiao did sense something and rush back, distant waters couldn't extinguish a nearby fire—he would never make it in time to save Cui Buqu.
As for Rong Qing, his view was completely obstructed by Cui Buqu, whose neck was bent as he prepared to drink the soup. He had no idea what was going on.
Xiao-Liu knew Cui Buqu was fairly lucky. But beyond dumb luck, it was his sharp intellect that kept him alive. Time and again, crises had transformed into opportunities, mostly thanks to Cui Buqu's knack for foreseeing danger and deftly manipulating his environment. But now, his guards were incapacitated and far away, leaving only the useless Rong Qing at his side. Whom, then, could he rely on for help?
The edge of the poisoned dagger gleamed. Xiao-Liu's hand was steady, decisive, and lightning fast. Just as the knife was about to plunge into Cui Buqu's back, the smirk on Xiao-Liu's lips froze.
A hand was clasped firmly around his wrist.
A strong gust of wind surged around him, and Xiao-Liu was forced to abandon the prize within his grasp to turn toward the new threat. How had this man appeared so suddenly? He must have been lying in wait, observing Xiao-Liu's every move in secret.
Rong Qing was stunned. Moments ago he'd covered his mouth to stifle a yawn, yet now chaos had erupted all around him. Even if Xiao-Liu didn't want Cui-xiansheng to drink the soup, there was no need to resort to violence!
Wait, when had his attendant acquired such formidable skills? And who was the man fighting him?!
Xiao-Liu found his strikes blocked from all directions. Despite the vastness of the courtyard, he was soon forced into a corner. The attacks from his assailant were relentless, though the man's martial arts were nothing special. Xiao-Liu was an accomplished assassin but knew little martial arts; his attacker's abilities were more than enough to pin him down.
Having lost the element of surprise, killing his target would be nearly impossible. But failing this mission would mean his death—turning back was not an option.
Adrenaline surging, Xiao-Liu gritted his teeth and, disregarding the blows raining down on him, switched directions midair to lunge toward Cui Buqu.
It was a gamble. He was betting on his speed, hoping to eliminate Cui Buqu before his foe could intervene. Xiao-Liu pushed his qinggong to the limit, but couldn't close the distance between himself and Cui Buqu. In desperation, he hurled the dagger.
It shot through the air, aimed squarely at Cui Buqu's shoulder. By the time Cui Buqu sought to evade, it was too late. Yet just as the dagger threatened to sink into his flesh, a rush of air knocked it aside, sending it clattering harmlessly to the ground with a crisp, bright sound. Hot soup splashed over the stone as the pot fell alongside the dagger and shattered into countless fragments.
Xiao-Liu caught Rong Qing's bewildered gaze and nearly coughed up blood in frustration.
But the tables had turned. Before he could make his next move, his opponent was upon him. Pain erupted in his back as a powerful kick sent him crashing to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth. His vision went dark. In the next moment, his arms were twisted painfully behind him, rendering him immobile.
"Dislocate his jaw!" Cui Buqu cried.
He had immediately seen through Xiao-Liu's intentions. Blindsided, Xiao-Liu found himself unable to bite down on the poison hidden in his mouth, drool pooling in a humiliating puddle as he struggled. If not for the hatred burning in his eyes, he would have looked ridiculous.
"This isn't Xiao-Liu," Rong Qing exclaimed in disbelief. "Where's the real Xiao-Liu? What did you do with him?!" He shook the assassin with all his might, but the man merely sneered.
Pei Jingzhe—for it was indeed he—breathed a long sigh of relief and finally stood up straight. The stinging pain at his waist made him grimace, and he was almost unable to maintain his dignified image as a member of the Jiejian Bureau.
In fact, Pei Jingzhe had arrived in Guangqian County alongside Feng Xiao. His skills had thus far gone unused, since where martial arts were needed, Feng Xiao could do a better job. After Feng Xiao's identity was exposed, Pei Jingzhe had become a hidden pawn, patiently waiting for his moment to shine.
Earlier that day, Feng Xiao had departed, and Cui Buqu had instructed Pei Jingzhe to furtively follow him around instead. Pei Jingzhe had concealed himself in various out-of-the-way spots—closets, rafters, trees, anywhere he could remain unnoticed—to the point his back was about to snap from crouching in so many tight spaces. Fortunately, Cui Buqu hadn't been aiming to torture him. Xiao-Liu soon exposed himself, allowing Pei Jingzhe to spring into action and be freed from swallowing more mosquitoes.
Cui Buqu's analysis had likewise proved correct: Xiao-Liu's martial arts were unimpressive. Their foe was simply using the assassin to eliminate Cui Buqu. Pei Jingzhe alone was enough to thwart him.
In the meantime, Rong Qing had shaken Xiao-Liu with such force that the man vomited a second mouthful of blood. Yet the assassin still refused to—or perhaps could not—reveal where the real Xiao-Liu had gone.
"He likely replaced the real Xiao-Liu when you entered the array in the forest," Cui Buqu explained.
"He was with me for six full years, and followed me from my hometown to the capital." Rong Qing slowly released the assassin, turning away with reddened eyes. "He was honest, tactful, and a good cook."
Pei Jingzhe felt a pang of sympathy. He patted Rong Qing's shoulder. "We'll avenge him."
Now Rong Qing understood. Cui Buqu had sent everyone away to make it more convenient for Xiao-Liu to attack. Suspicions were only suspicions, after all, and not enough to justify arresting and interrogating Xiao-Liu.
"Cui-xiansheng, once this matter is resolved, I want to search for Xiao-Liu," he said. "I need to find him, whether alive or dead. Even if he's… I should still take him home for a proper burial."
"That's fine." Cui Buqu wasn't so cold that he'd refuse such a request—as long as it didn't jeopardize the mission.
Pei Jingzhe stepped forward. Using a wet cloth, he gently rubbed the disguise from the assassin's face. A translucent layer peeled away along with most of Xiao-Liu's honest face, revealing the gaunt visage of a stranger.
"Do you want to torture him?" Pei Jingzhe asked. An idea struck him. "Perhaps I should ask Qiao-niangzi to disguise me as Xiao-Liu. They won't know he hasn't yet made a move, and we can wait for them to contact me. It could lead us to another clue!"
Cui Buqu shook his head. "It won't work. First, he's an expendable agent; he knows nothing beyond the target of his mission. Second, this type of disposable soldier is meant to be used but once. If he fails to act, our foe will realize something is off. They won't contact you."
"Then what should we do?" Rong Qing piped up, asking Pei Jingzhe's question.
They were like turtles trapped in an urn, unable to glimpse the outside world and relying on instinct to blindly flounder their way forward. Even if they managed to fumble their way through this challenge, another would be waiting. They couldn't guarantee they'd come out safe again.
Even worse, they were running out of time. Yang Yun had issued an ultimatum, and in two days, he planned to act on it. But in actuality, he'd already made his move. Huang Lüe's death, the burning of Qixia Villa, the unknown fates of the missing refugees—their leads were dead and their information piecemeal, while the enemy's defenses felt impenetrable.
Their defeat seemed a foregone conclusion. Rong Qing couldn't think of any way for them to turn the tide.
He looked at Cui Buqu hopefully. "When will your Zuoyue guard arrive, Cui-xiansheng?"
Cui Buqu cast him a sidelong glance. His response was shocking. "I only said that to intimidate Yang Yun. I never called for them."
Rong Qing froze stiff with alarm. He couldn't be blamed for his reaction. He hadn't been a censor for long, and Guangqian was his first official assignment outside the capital. It was meant to be a straightforward trip escorting aid, yet instead he'd found himself up against a deadly enemy. Even such titans as the Zuoyue Bureau's Chief Cui and Deputy Chief Feng were ensnared here, to say nothing of the insignificant Rong Qing. If they didn't get to the bottom of this case, grim fates awaited them all.
Of course, Rong Qing hadn't known about the treachery lurking under the surface in Guangqian County, nor about the Thirteen Floors pulling the strings. He'd only thought Yang Yun so prideful that he found even an imperial envoy beneath his notice. After all, how could one man create such chaos and wield such power? Only later, as the complexities of the case unraveled before his eyes, did he begin to understand how very out of his depth he was.
Pei Jingzhe was momentarily taken aback. "If your lordship doesn't summon the Zuoyue guard, we're alone here. Qiao-niangzi is still injured. If Yang Yun truly intends to slaughter us all, I won't be able to protect your lordship, even if I offer up my life."
Cui Buqu calmly raised a finger. Pei Jingzhe stared at it with wide eyes, trying with all his might to decipher what Cui Buqu meant by this gesture. But Cui Buqu simply wagged it at him: "You're thinking about it all wrong."
Pei Jingzhe was silent. Perhaps he had grown too accustomed to Cui Buqu's icy expression when he traded barbs with Feng Xiao. For a moment, he struggled to believe Chief Cui could also be so childish.
But the next words from Cui Buqu's mouth were exceedingly grave. "The Zuoyue Bureau has no manpower to send."
Pei Jingzhe gaped at him. "How can that be?!"
The Zuoyue Bureau was an elusive organization. But while Pei Jingzhe knew they didn't have as many personnel as the Jiejian Bureau, they still maintained secret sentries stationed in various locations throughout the Northern dynasty, and even a few in the Southern dynasty. The capital alone must house several hundred members of the Zuoyue guard. A few hundred ordinary people were nothing more than a mob, but Zuoyue guards underwent rigorous training. A few hundred of them represented the best of the best. If Cui Buqu managed to summon those guards here, then no matter what Yang Yun wished to do, surely this would give him pause.
Cui Buqu noticed Rong Qing's confused expression and explained, "Before the flood recedes, news will continue to travel slowly. Even if I summoned my people, they would have to take a detour north of the city, just as we did when we arrived. Even if they rush here as quickly as possible, it will take them several days to reach us. By then, the time Yang Yun gave us will be up, and it will be too late."
Pei Jingzhe found this reasoning unconvincing—so unconvincing it didn't sound like Cui Buqu at all.
Cui Buqu, aren't you the one who always anticipates the enemy's moves and wins by surprise? Why are you now acting like you're blindfolded and bound?
But Cui Buqu continued, disrupting his uncharitable thoughts. "In the few sentences you said just now, you mentioned Qiao Xian twice." Cui Buqu looked at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Do you miss her that much?"
"N-no!" Pei Jingzhe stuttered out a protest. Suddenly he didn't know what to do with his hands.
"She misses you too."
Pei Jingzhe's eyes lit up.
"I lied."
He stared as Cui Buqu continued, "She's recovering and should be able to walk now. If you wish, perhaps you should go visit and help her resolve some of her concerns."
Pei Jingzhe's cheeks were aflame, his eyes darting to the side. He'd been about to change the subject, but now he couldn't help wanting to know more.
Since they'd first met in Liugong City, that celestial maiden in white had left a lasting impression on him. Unfortunately, despite his interest, Qiao Xian remained aloof. She was as cold as she was beautiful, and little Pei-langjun was too thin-skinned to pester her. Since returning to the capital, whenever the Jiejian and Zuoyue Bureaus had needed to communicate, Pei Jingzhe had eagerly volunteered himself in hopes of exchanging a few more words with Qiao Xian.
If no one gave him a push, he would continue spinning in circles for the rest of his life.
Pei Jingzhe felt a surge of emotion.
"Go on," Cui Buqu urged again.
With his face flushed red, Pei Jingzhe looked like a young boy brimming with affection but unsure how to express it. He excused himself and walked stiffly inside.
Curious, Rong Qing asked, "What concerns does Qiao-niangzi have?"
Since she and Guan Shanhai had returned, Rong Qing had barely seen them. He felt there was something strange about Cui Buqu bringing Pei Jingzhe and Qiao Xian together now, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what.
Cui Buqu smiled faintly. "Why, does Censor Rong also yearn for Qiao Xian?"
"Not at all! Not at all!" Rong Qing frantically waved his hands. It had only been a casual question. He pointed to the assassin, still on the ground. "What should we do with him?"
He was answered with a bright laugh as Feng Xiao strode in. "Cold, steamed, braised—you can prepare him any way you like!"
The chilly courtyard seemed to grow several degrees warmer. Cui Buqu blinked. He had to admit this fellow's beauty was truly exceptional, lovely enough to captivate all of creation. Simply standing there, he looked like a god. There was no need for him to speak—indeed, it was best if he never spoke at all.
"Cui-xiansheng," Feng Xiao said, "I couldn't help but notice your gaze lingered on me a bit longer than usual just now."
Sure enough, that irritating voice spoiled the moment. Feng Xiao stopped at the threshold of the courtyard, expertly choosing his angle. Sweet-scented osmanthus flowers drifted onto his shoulders. The tilt of his fan and the motion of his wrist as he waved it were meticulously calculated, effortlessly elegant yet carefully restrained to prevent the delicate flowers from falling to the ground.
"Would you like me to stand here a bit longer so you can savor the view?"
"That won't be necessary," Cui Buqu replied coldly. Next time, he thought, he wouldn't give this man so much as a second glance.
Feng Xiao seemed to sense his thoughts, and a slight smirk curved his lips, as if mocking Cui Buqu's resolve.
Cui Buqu looked down, irritated. "I presume Deputy Chief Feng has returned with good news?"
"Indeed I have," Feng Xiao said with a smile. "I did a charitable deed, and Li Yan's wife was most grateful. It turns out that good intentions really are rewarded."
He tossed the bundle he was carrying onto the stone table.
Rong Qing was left utterly baffled by this exchange, but Cui Buqu merely sighed. He no longer expected this peacock with his tail raised sky-high to be capable of proper conversation. Rather than respond, he explained the situation to Rong Qing.
Guangqian County had embezzled significant amounts of grain for three consecutive years. It was impossible that they'd erased all traces of their deeds. Huang Lüe had likely been silenced because he knew too much—perhaps he'd even had key evidence. Though he was dead, whatever records he'd kept wouldn't simply vanish. They would be transferred to another conspirator, such as Li Yan or Wu Yi.
People's hearts were often surprisingly predictable. Just as Yang Yun had used Huang Lüe while keeping a wary eye on him, Huang Lüe's death had sounded the alarm for Li Yan and others. They would surely scramble to secure some evidence, either to leverage against Yang Yun or to ensure their own safety.
No matter how perfect a plan might be, there would always be vulnerabilities. The more intelligent the planner, the more contingencies they would prepare for. Cui Buqu wasn't concerned about them overthinking; on the contrary, he feared they wouldn't think enough.
As long as the enemy had a weakness, there was still a chance for them to turn the tide.
They'd learned Li Yan was keeping a mistress outside his home. His wife had a fierce temper, so he didn't dare let his family know and had concealed the affair from everyone. If Feng Xiao didn't use this knowledge to incite chaos, he simply wouldn't be able to live with himself. Via the Li family servants, he'd discreetly passed evidence of Li Yan's infidelity to his wife Lady He, including the address of the house he'd purchased for his mistress.
Despite her fury, Lady He had remained surprisingly level-headed. Rather than reacting immediately, she waited until Li Yan went out to visit his mistress there, then burst in and caught him in the act. She'd chased both the mistress and Li Yan through the courtyard with a rolling pin, startling the neighbors and creating a terrific scene.
Li Yan, overwhelmed with guilt, had begged Lady He for forgiveness. She dismissed his pleas and ordered the servants to turn the manor upside down. Li Yan grew so furious he almost fainted. When he gathered his courage and attempted to reason with his wife, she struck him on the head with her rolling pin so hard he passed out cold.
Evidence of Li Yan pampering his mistress was everywhere in the manor, including the many gifts he'd showered upon her. Upon seeing these, Lady He's anger intensified. She ordered the servants to ransack the place, smashing what they could and confiscating whatever gold, silver, and jewelry they found.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Feng sat in the rafters, watching the mayhem unfold. He had a perfect view of the Li family servants turning the house inside out, allowing him to spot anything Li Yan might have concealed there related to the grain.
It was obvious Li Yan doted on his mistress and feared his wife more than he respected her. When people had secrets to hide, they often concealed them where they themselves felt most comfortable, believing these were the places of greatest safety. Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao understood this well, which was why they'd chosen the manor as their first target.
But nothing was certain. If they found no clues there, they would have to turn their attention to Wu Yi.
Fortunately, this time, their guess was correct. Feng Xiao untied the knot on the bundle, freeing several scrolls, which tumbled off the table. There under the clear blue sky, the scrolls unfurled, revealing their contents to the half-conscious assassin.
The man's eyes went wide in disbelief, and a trickle of blood slid from his nose. Apparently, he was an assassin with a pure and innocent heart.
The images on the scrolls were portrayed with exquisite lines and a vibrant array of colors. They depicted myriad scenes, from folding screens in manors to grape trellises in courtyards, from carriages to bustling brothels to taverns that teemed with onlookers. The paintings featured men and women of every sort, all engaged in various intimate acts—some bashful, some wild, some coy, some fiercely resistant. There seemed to be no limit to the painter's imagination.
Rong Qing stood dumbfounded as he pointed at the paintings, stammering, "This—this—this…"
Cui Buqu said nothing. It was the first time he'd ever felt so ignorant and uninformed in his life.
Feng Xiao was laughing, proudly flaunting his spoils. "What do you think? Admit it, even you're shocked."
Cui Buqu's face was expressionless. "After crouching in the rafters for half a day, this is the key clue you found?"