Chapter 220: Arson
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
The person who came to set fire never expected that there would be people in the quiet book depository today. Caught off guard, when he wanted to escape, he was already blocked by Xiao Jue. He was no match for Xiao Jue’s martial arts, and after a brief struggle, Xiao Jue disarmed him.
While Xiao Jue was dealing with the intruder, He Yan had already grabbed a blanket and started to smother the flames. Fortunately, the fire was not too big; the person probably thought that the scrolls in the entire building were flammable and did not use oil. Otherwise, if the fire had spread, they might not have been able to put it out.
The fire was extinguished in time, only burning half a book. He Yan shook her head at Xiao Jue, “Fortunately, nothing serious happened.”
Looking down at the man on the ground, he appeared to be quite young, wearing plain clothes. At first glance, he seemed like a student from Xianchang Academy. Xiao Jue had disarmed him, and for the time being, he couldn’t move. He Yan noticed the calluses on his hands, probably from martial arts training. She frowned and said, “He doesn’t look like a student from Xianchang. He must have sneaked in.”
Ordinary students, even those studying martial arts, wouldn’t have such thick calluses. It was obvious that this person had trained extensively for a long time. Xiao Jue, looking down at him, asked coldly, “Who sent you?”
The man just stared at Xiao Jue without saying a word.
“Wait a minute.” He Yan seemed to sense something, stepped forward, and grabbed his chin. Unable to stop her in time, Xiao Jue watched as He Yan said, “He can’t speak; he’s mute.”
Holding his chin forced him to open his mouth, revealing an empty cavity with only half of a tongue.
“It’s dangerous.” Xiao Jue pulled her up and stepped back. “Don’t get too close.”
“Someone sent a mute person to deliberately sneak into Xianchang Academy and set fire to the book depository,” He Yan said, her attention not on herself but on Xiao Jue. “It seems that someone has the same idea as us.”
In the book depository, there were indeed rare and unique volumes, but it was not worth risking arson. Moreover, the arsonist didn’t come to steal but to set fire, and it happened to burn the shelf with “He Rufei.” Just as He Yan and Xiao Jue came to Xianchang Academy today to find He Rufei’s past writings for possible future use, the real Young Master He seemed anxious and paranoid, eager to destroy the evidence.
Xiao Jue asked, “What do you plan to do?”
He Yan thought for a moment, then looked up with a relaxed expression. “Since someone covets General He’s notes, why not let us take care of them on behalf of the institute? As for this person… let’s inform Teacher Huang first and see what he says.”
When Huang Sancai received the news, he could hardly believe his eyes. They had only let Xiao Jue and He Yan into the book depository for less than a stick of incense, and someone suddenly set fire?
“Teacher Huang,” Xiao Jue gestured to the person on the ground, “Is this person a student of the institute?”
Teacher Huang carefully examined the face of the arsonist and shook his head. “No, I’ve never seen this person before.”
“That’s it.” Xiao Jue nodded. “This person infiltrated the institute, failed to set the fire, and was caught by me.”
Teacher Huang quickly checked the burnt shelf, the scattered examination papers on the ground, the charred book, and the smell of burnt wood in the attic. All of these confirmed that Xiao Jue was not lying. Someone had indeed set a fire here just now.
“Why… why would this happen?” Teacher Huang was a bit puzzled. “What grievances does this person have with our Xianchang Academy? Why did he set fire to the book depository?”
It was fortunate that the book depository was not the main building of the institute. Still, if Xiao Jue and He Yan hadn’t been there, very few people usually entered the book depository. By the time the fire is discovered, it might have been too late. Thinking of this, Teacher Huang couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.
“This person is mute,” He Yan said with a smile. “He can’t speak.”
Xiao Jue’s voice was indifferent, “It may be related to the Wutuo people.”
“Wu, Wutuo people?” Huang Sancai was startled. “How could Wutuo people appear in Shuojing?”
Xiao Jue calmly spoke, “This matter is confidential. I hope Teacher Huang can keep it secret for me. Since it is a conspiracy of the Wutuo people, it would be better to counteract it. Please, Teacher Huang, announce to the public that the library caught fire, burning a shelf of books. Fortunately, the fire was put out in time, avoiding a disaster, but… Flying Phoenix General’s notes were completely destroyed, nothing left.”
“This…” Huang Sancai was still puzzled.
“It concerns the state, ” Xiao Jue’s gaze was as sharp as a sword, “I hope Teacher Huang considers the bigger picture.”
Huang Sancai shivered, “N-naturally. But General He’s notes…”
“He and I were classmates, just some ordinary writings. I brought them back to the Xiao family for safekeeping. In the future, when the true culprit is revealed, I will return them in their original condition.”
Huang Sancai sensed something, looked again at the young man in front of him. The lazy and indifferent youth had shed the greenness of youth, now like a drawn sword, completely different from the past.
He respectfully lowered his head and said, “All decisions are up to Commander Xiao. As for this person…”
“I’ll handle it. Teacher Huang, just announce to the outside that someone died in the fire.”
Huang Sancai nodded in agreement.
After instructing Huang Sancai, after a while, Chiwu followed in, took the mute who set the fire away, and also took away a whole sack of He Rufei’s notes.
Only then did He Yan and Xiao Jue walk out. While walking, He Yan asked, “Xiao Jue, can what just happened… be covered up?”
Huang Sancai was not a member of the Xiao family after all. He didn’t know how much he could keep it a secret for them. He Rufei was not a fool either. People sent out did not return. Even if Huang Sancai spread rumors that the library caught fire, He Rufei might not believe it.
“No problem, leave it to me,” Xiao Jue replied.
He Yan thought for a moment, “I think Xu Zhiheng is probably still searching for the whereabouts of Qin Momo. We must ensure their safety.”
Xiao Jue casually smiled, “Rest assured, the hands of the Xu family can’t reach the Xiao family.”
He Yan felt a little more at ease, but the ease of recalling old acquaintances at Xianchang Academy was disrupted by this sudden event. He and Xiao Jue walked to the door. Suddenly, someone called her, “Miss He.”
He Yan looked up and saw a man in a dark blue robe not far away, gentle and elegant, it was Chu Zhao.
He also saw Xiao Jue by He Yan’s side, his gaze slightly condensed. However, in an instant, his smile was as usual. He walked up and greeted, “Commander Xiao, Miss He.”
“How come the Fourth Young Master Chu is here?” He Yan asked with a smile. Since the banquet where Emperor Wenxuan bestowed the marriage, she hadn’t seen Chu Zhao. She only knew that the Xu family and the Chu family were busy with his marriage to Xu Pingting. Compared to the lower status of the He Yan family, the marriage between Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting seemed more suitable on the surface.
Although… He Yan didn’t believe that Chu Zhao liked his fiancée Xu Pingting very much.
“Out to handle some matters,” Chu Zhao replied warmly.
He Yan noticed that the unfamiliar maid accompanying him today had an ordinary appearance, not like Ying Xiang. She couldn’t help but take a closer look at the maid. The maid, however, was not afraid, staring straight back with a gaze that seemed to carry a hint of scrutiny. After thinking for a moment, He Yan understood. It must be Miss Xu Pingting, who, seeing that Ying Xiang was too beautiful, changed her maid to follow him. Named as serving, but actually monitoring. It made sense; after all, Chu Zhao had a promiscuous father and he himself was outstanding, so it was natural for her to be more cautious.
But in doing so, Chu Zhao seemed a bit pitiful. As a man, he couldn’t even decide whether his maid stayed by his side or not. This was just the beginning; once they were married, Miss Xu Pingting would probably intensify her actions.
The maid looked at He Yan with some vigilance, as if Chu Zhao were a piece of juicy fat and all the women on the street were hungry dogs staring intently. He Yan didn’t want to get into trouble and didn’t want to be a target for no reason, so she said, “Xiao Jue and I have other matters to attend to, so we’ll leave first.”
Upon hearing the words “Xiao Jue,” Chu Zhao first seemed stunned. His gaze wandered over the two of them, then he smiled and said, “In that case, let’s meet again another day.”
He Yan nodded and quickly walked away with Xiao Jue. However, Chu Zhao, after the two of them left, looked at the gate of Xianchang Academy, and a hint of contemplation flashed in his eyes.
The maid by his side urged, “Fourth Young Master, it’s getting late. Let’s go to the silk and satin shop first to choose the fabric. Miss said that you have to personally inspect all matters related to the happy events.”
The young man covered the gloom in his eyes and smiled, “Alright.”
…
At the entrance of the Xu family, a servant named Fuwang was holding a broom, absentmindedly sweeping the floor.
The whole afternoon passed like this, with his mind not really on the task. In fact, it had been like this for more than a day or two. Since the generous and mysterious person was informed about Qin Momo’s whereabouts, he had not appeared again.
Fuwang felt quite disappointed. He had originally thought of making a fortune from this person before leaving, but unexpectedly, he disappeared just like that. He regretted a bit whether he shouldn’t have revealed Qin Momo’s whereabouts so early. Perhaps if he had waited longer, he could have squeezed out more benefits from the other party.
Once accustomed to the easy money path, looking back at the meager monthly salary, Fuwang felt particularly dissatisfied.
He was sweeping the floor when suddenly, a copper coin rolled past him. Without thinking, Fuwang followed it, intending to pick it up. He bent down, took a few steps, and suddenly, the copper coin was stepped on by a boot. He was startled and looked up, only to see a tall man wearing a straw hat standing in front of him, whispering, “Are you Fuwang?”
Fuwang was shocked, stammering, “Y-yes.”
“At the tea house around the street corner. See you at the usual place.” After saying this, the man lifted his foot and walked away.
Fuwang stared blankly at the dirty copper coin. He picked it up, wiped off the dirt on it, put it in his sleeve, and his heart raced. When his companion returned from the toilet, Fuwang, using the excuse of diarrhea, took the opportunity to slip away and went to the tea house where he used to meet the mysterious person.
It was still the innermost tea room, and the man from earlier had already taken a seat. Fuwang walked in, feeling skeptical. Although the man’s dress was very similar to the last mysterious person, they were not the same person. Compared to the previous mysterious person, the man in front of him was noticeably taller.
“Young Master, may I ask…”
“The person who asked you to find Qin Momo last time can’t come now. I’m the one who will trade with you in the future,” Fei Nu with a hoarse voice said.
Xiao Jue had sent him to the Xu family to make a deal with this servant, while also safely removing He Yan from the situation to avoid leaving any evidence.
Fuwang was taken aback for a moment and cautiously asked, “May I ask about the young master from before…”
“He’s dead.” The man’s voice was extremely cold. “So, don’t ask what you shouldn’t, and don’t look at what you shouldn’t.”
These cold words startled Fuwang. Although he was greedy for money, he also cherished his life. Hearing that the previous mysterious person had died, his thoughts were in turmoil. After all, even now, he didn’t know the identity of that person or why he had been asked to inquire about Qin Momo’s whereabouts.
“So… what does the young master want me to do?” Fuwang tentatively asked.
“I want you to search for all the old belongings of the deceased Madam Xu in the Xu family. If there are old acquaintances related to Madam Xu, find out their whereabouts too,” the man said concisely.
Previously, it was about finding people and information related to Concubine He, and now it had turned into searching for the deceased Madam Xu. Why was that?
“I…” Before Fuwang could speak, he saw the man take out a box from beside him, place it on the table, and open it. Inside, neatly arranged, were dozens of ingots of silver.
Fuwang’s eyes widened; this was much more generous than the previous mysterious person. That person gave the silver one ingot at a time; when had there been such a lavish display? For a moment, Fuwang threw away his earlier fear, and his mind and eyes were filled with silver.
“How about it?” asked Fei Nu.
“No problem, no problem.” Fuwang swept the box in front of him into his arms, happily saying, “Even if I have to go through fire and water, I’ll get this done for the young master.”
“This matter is not simple,” Fei Nu deliberately lowered his voice, “Your master at home will definitely be watching your every move.”
“No problem. There are also some slack areas in the mansion. It’s just that the old madam has been dead for a long time, and most of the old things from the past were buried with her body. I don’t know if there’s anything left,” Fuwang, largely dazzled by the silver in front of him, wracked his brains for a while before saying, “However, Master has deep feelings for the old madam. The courtyard where the old madam used to live still maintains its original appearance. Perhaps one or two old items can be found there. However, the courtyard is being watched, not easy to enter. But,” he smiled, trying to please, “I’ll think of some ways, and I should be able to get in.”
This man was truly money-minded, or rather, the previous interaction with He Yan had already exposed the greed in his bones. Now, it seemed unstoppable, saving Fei Nu a lot of effort.
Fei Nu looked at Fuwang, seemingly satisfied, and said, “Very well, this silver is just a deposit. If you can handle the task I entrusted to you, our master will definitely not treat you unfairly.”
“May I ask,” Fuwang asked with courage, “Who is the master of the young master…”
This time, the person opposite was not as mysterious as the previous one, just arrogantly holding his head high, saying, “Presently, bestowed by His Majesty as Flying Phoenix General, Master He Rufei.”
“General He?” Fuwang exclaimed, “Why would General He…”
He didn’t finish his words, thinking of what the person had said earlier, “Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask.” He tactfully smiled, “Understood. I will definitely handle the task for General He.”
With the matter settled, Fuwang returned to the Xu family, avoiding suspicion by not staying out for too long. Fei Nu sat in the tea room, finished the tea in front of him, and also got up to leave.
…
In the Crown Prince’s residence, there was music and dance today. The Crown Prince, in a very good mood, reclined on a soft couch, watching the dancing maids. Beside him, Xu Jingfu was sitting.
“Why does the Prime Minister have time to come to the palace today?” Guangyan smiled, “The marriage between Zilan and Pingting is approaching, and the Xu mansion should be very busy.”
Xu Jingfu replied with a smile, “The affairs of the mansion are taken care of by the madam. I came to see Your Highness today for the matter of the Wutuo envoy.”
Guangyan’s drinking motion paused, and he looked at Xu Jingfu, “Oh? What is the Prime Minister’s opinion?”
“In less than half a month, the Wutuo envoy will arrive in the capital,” Xu Jingfu said, “The court now has more advocates for peace than for war. Convincing His Majesty is not difficult. However, the matter of establishing a market needs Your Highness to think twice.”
“What does Xu Xiang mean?” Guangyan, not very concerned, asked, “It was your idea to cooperate with the Wutuo people at the beginning. Now that the Wutuo people have proposed to establish a market, why did Xu Xiang change his mind at the critical moment?”
Xu Jingfu did not become annoyed by the Crown Prince’s attitude. He smiled and said, “It’s not a change of mind. It’s just that now Xiao Huaijin has won a victory, accidentally gaining the initiative on the side of Great Wei. There is no need to feign subservience to the Wutuo people. Once the market is established, it will be difficult to negotiate terms with the Wutuo people later. It’s better to raise the stakes now. Otherwise, won’t the Wutuo people dictate the terms themselves?”
A slightly displeased expression appeared on the Crown Prince’s face, but soon, it was concealed. “Xu Xiang’s words make sense. However, Xu Xiang needs to understand one thing. If your private dealings with me and the Wutuo people are exposed, how can there be a future? The Wutuo people hold the handle. If we don’t grant them the right to establish a market in Great Wei, will they let it go? Creating obstacles for me behind my back… What if it delays my great cause?”
The female musician playing the qin in the room had left unnoticed.
Xu Jingfu remained silent for a while, then bowed to the Crown Prince. “Your Highness has a keen insight.”
Guangyan smiled slightly. At this moment, a beautiful woman in a wide-sleeved, flowing fairy dress walked in from outside. She held a silver pot and approached the Crown Prince, kneeling down and offering the wine from the pot.
The Crown Prince drank the wine in front of him in one gulp, then casually pulled the woman into his embrace. When she raised her head, revealing a beautiful face, Xu Jingfu finally saw clearly that she was the maid, Ying Xiang, whom Chu Zhao had sent to the Crown Prince.
Upon seeing Xu Jingfu, Ying Xiang also smiled sweetly. “Ying Xiang greets Xu Xiang.”
“The girl sent by Zilan is indeed clever and intelligent.” Guangyan, satisfied, pinched the beautiful woman’s cheek, “Very much to my liking!”
Ying Xiang coquettishly complained, “Your Highness is too flattering; this servant dares not.”
Xu Jingfu’s smile paused.
In the past, this servant girl by Chu Zhao’s side, due to her overwhelming beauty, had been brought up to him multiple times by Xu Pingting, asking him to deal with this Ying Xiang. However, Xu Jingfu himself had also found out that Ying Xiang was rescued by Chu Zhao at the brothel entrance. Presumably, Ying Xiang’s experience reminded him of his mother, Ye Runmei, which made him take a closer look at Ying Xiang.
Chu Zhao was the one he favored, and Xu Jingfu didn’t want a mere maidservant to damage their mentor-student relationship. Moreover, with Ying Xiang staying by Chu Zhao’s side all these years, she also served as a test. If Chu Zhao were merely a man infatuated with beauty, he wouldn’t be worth much, and certainly not worthy of being kept close to Xu Pingting.
Over these years, Chu Zhao had evidently passed the test, and there was no romantic involvement between him and Ying Xiang. As Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting’s wedding date approached, Xu Pingting became more and more anxious.
Xu Jingfu was aware of Xu Pingting’s private visits to Crown Prince Guangyan. However, at present, he had no intention of advising against it. In the future, Chu Zhao would be Xu Pingting’s husband and Xu Jingfu’s son-in-law. If a mere maidservant made his daughter unhappy, killing her would not be out of the question, let alone sending her away.
Chu Zhao should have his own judgment on this matter.
Chu Zhao made the right choice. Xu Jingfu was very satisfied. Such a young person who was intelligent and knew how to make choices was not common in the current Shuojing.
The impression Xu Jingfu had of Ying Xiang in the past was that although she was beautiful, her character was timid and quiet, a usual servant girl who didn’t cause any trouble. But now, seeing Ying Xiang leaning affectionately against the Crown Prince, Xu Jingfu felt a trace of unease.
In the Crown Prince’s residence, there was never a shortage of beautiful women, and certainly not of intelligent ones. The struggles within the harem were no less challenging than the political machinations in the court. Xu Pingting sending Ying Xiang into the Crown Prince’s residence was certainly not with the intention of letting her survive. However, despite the passing days, Ying Xiang not only survived but also gained favor from the Prince. This was undoubtedly an achievement not solely based on her beauty.
The innocent gaze of the charming beauty seemed pure, as if she knew nothing about the various filthy and dirty things in the world. Among all the beauties, like the dew in the morning, she carried a fragile purity. Even Guangyan, who did not cherish beauties, looked at her with a few more traces of pity.
After sitting for a while, Xu Jingfu took his leave. After he left, Guangyan ordered the servants to remove the utensils used by Xu Jingfu.
“An old fellow, just a prime minister, thinks he’s something important. He even has to meddle in my affairs.” The gloom in the Crown Prince Guangyan’s eyes was released after Xu Jingfu left, “I think his hand is stretched a bit too long!”
Ying Xiang, leaning against Guangyan, gently stroked his chest to help him calm down, comforting him in a soft voice, “Your Highness, there’s no need to be too angry. The world to come will be yours, Your Highness. Whatever you say will be the way it is. Why bother listening to others?”
This greatly pleased Guangyan. He kissed her on the face and said, “You, this girl, really knows how to talk. Be careful that Xu Xiang doesn’t find trouble with you.”
“Even if Xu Xiang wants to trouble this servant, this servant belongs to Your Highness. Your Highness will surely protect this servant, right?” Ying Xiang said coquettishly, “Even if I’m just a servant to Your Highness, it’s better than most people in the world. Besides, let me tell Your Highness a secret.” She leaned closer to Guangyan, looking exceptionally charming.
This servant was not like other beauties who either flattered him or feared him. Guangyan liked that. He asked, “What secret?”
“This servant also doesn’t like Xu Xiang,” Ying Xiang said with a bitter face, “Xu Xiang has too many rules, always having his own opinions. I’m really afraid that one day, Xu Xiang will even manage Your Highness’s affairs. If Your Highness sends this servant away, it will be too terrible.”
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
