At the dead of night, a masked figure suddenly appeared on the roof. His sharp, cold eyes gleamed eerily like beastly green pupils in the dim candlelight.
Xiyan screamed, backing away and clutching a pillar. “Spare me, brave man! I’m just a singer—I saw nothing, I know nothing!”
Wu Ming was merely passing through and hadn’t intended to kill anyone, but this opera singer was unbearably loud. Concerned that the racket might alert the guards of the Wangye’s residence, he found himself tempted to silence that unnervingly pale neck with a single slash, bringing instant peace to his ears.
Though he usually killed for money, an old colleague once put it well: “Even a prostitute might give a freebie to an old rival.” So he didn’t mind occasionally taking on a job for free.
Leaping down from the eaves, Wu Ming was just about to knock out the unlucky singer when he suddenly paused, as if struck by a thought.
Xiyan, seeing Wu Ming approach step by step, was so terrified his heart and lungs felt as if they might burst. Tears streamed from his eyes, smearing the thick lead-based powder on his face until it resembled a plowed muddy field.
The cloying scent of makeup assaulted Wu Ming’s nostrils, and he suppressed a wave of nausea as he asked, “On the tenth of March, at the Marquis of Fengan’s residence, was that you on stage singing?”
That night had been Wu Ming’s first attempt to assassinate the marquis. Wei Jun had been hosting a lavish banquet, with countless guests, endless feasting, and a performance by a Kunqu opera singer. Wu Ming had waited for the perfect moment to strike, but an expert fighter at the table had intervened, injuring him and thwarting the assassination attempt.
Having lost the advantage and depleted his energy, he barely managed to escape the guards’ pursuit. The Five City Military Command and the Embroidered Uniform Guard combed the city for him, and in one skirmish, Shen Qi had slashed him three times. He’d hidden in the waters under a bridge, on the verge of death, and was ultimately rescued by Lord Su.
… Since parting ways at the Eastern Garden over a month ago, he had often wondered how Lord Su was faring. Was he still being manipulated by that wretched Dog Commander, forced to endure humiliation for survival?
Not long ago, Wu Ming heard of Lord Su risking his life to strike the Drums of Appeal to denounce treachery and clear his teacher’s name. When he read the Twelve Charges published in the imperial bulletin, he felt a surge of hot blood pulse through his withered chest. For a fleeting moment, even his ever-steady sword hand trembled with doubt and hesitation.
—Lord Su’s claims were true. He had brought down Feng Que, the commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Perhaps, given more time, he could bring down Wei Jun, the Marquis of Fengan, as well.
However… relying on others to exact revenge, even if successful, would leave a bitter taste. As a true child of Jianghu, vengeance should be sought by one’s own blade, with blood spilled and justice served in the moment.
When the great vendetta is finally fulfilled, he would seek out Lord Su to repay his kindness.
Perhaps Lord Su wouldn’t care for a vagabond like him, but at the very least, he could rid Lord Su of threats like Shen Qi. He could continue living the dangerous life of a killer, all while secretly safeguarding his benefactor—until the day he inevitably perished in some reckless undertaking.
With this thought, Wu Ming let the image of the young official dissipate back into the depths of his heart.
After a moment’s distraction, an idea formed in his mind. If this male dan* often performed at banquets hosted by high-ranking officials, he could use the performer’s opera troupe as cover, infiltrating the Marquis’ estate under the guise of performing. That would provide another opportunity to strike.
* male actor playing female role
The dan, Xiyan, felt as though the masked figure in black was evaluating him like a tool, cold and devoid of humanity. Terrified, he bolted for the steps below.
Wu Ming grabbed him by the collar and threatened, “Make another sound, and I’ll cut off your head!” Carrying the performer, he leapt up to the rooftop.
Xiyan shut his eyes tightly, biting his lip to keep from crying out, unsure of where this assailant was taking him or what he intended to do. He was utterly terrified.
Wu Ming, worried that Yu Wang might refuse to release the dan due to his notorious appetite for beauty, decided it would be safer to abduct the performer first. He could coerce him into cooperation, then return him to the opera troupe to act as cover.
As Wu Ming carried Xiyan across the rooftops, a sudden gust of wind signaled an incoming attack.
Turning his head, Wu Ming saw a shadow streaking toward him with deadly precision, brimming with killing intent. It moved like lightning, so swift and fierce that it threatened to pierce him before he could react.
Alone, he could have easily dodged. But with the burden of the male dan in tow, his movements were restricted. He flung the performer aside, twisted his body, and narrowly avoided the strike, the force of which grazed his garments, leaving a sharp tear.
The urgent projectile struck nearby, embedding itself into the massive ridge beam at the peak of the roof. Its long tail quivered, emitting a resonant hum like the toll of a bell.
It turned out to be a long, eight-foot horse lance. The shaft was pitch black and thick as a pillar, while the finely wrought steel spearhead measured an imposing three feet in length. Both heavy and razor-sharp, it was the undisputed king of weapons.
A gash over a foot long instantly tore open Wu Ming’s night-black attire, and he immediately realized he had encountered a formidable foe.
The horse lance was traditionally wielded by heavily armored cavalry. On the battlefield, its sweeping and thrusting strikes could single-handedly break enemy lines, requiring extraordinary strength to wield. Yet the person who attacked him had thrown the horse lance like a javelin, sending it hurtling dozens of meters with ease, almost impaling him. Even after the spearhead embedded itself into the wooden beam, the shaft’s tail continued to tremble with residual force. Such strength was truly astonishing!
Wu Ming, still shaken, glanced down at the training grounds below. There, a tall, broad-shouldered young man dressed in a dark, cuffed yesa robe stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at him with narrowed eyes.
This man’s face seemed vaguely familiar… Was it Yu Wang?!
A notorious playboy, known for his womanizing ways, hiding such martial prowess? Their eyes met, and Wu Ming felt an inexplicable sense of threat and pressure. He drew his sword, and with ghostlike agility, flitted through the shadows to the edge of the grounds, where he stood and coldly stared at the other man.
Yu Wang met his gaze without flinching. In a deep, commanding voice, he demanded, “With skills like yours, you’re no common thief. What business do you have sneaking into this Wangye’s residence at night?”
Wu Ming stared back impassively, saying nothing.
Meanwhile, Xiyan had been unceremoniously thrown off the roof. Fortunately, there was a pond below, and being a decent swimmer, he managed to survive. He clambered out of the water, dripping wet, his brightly colored gown and robe now shredded and hanging like ragged curtains.
The water had washed away all the lead powder and rouge on his face, revealing a pale, sharp visage framed by disheveled hair, making him look like a vengeful water ghost.
The moment he saw Yu Wang, Xiyan’s eyes lit up as though he’d been granted a reprieve. He stumbled toward him, crying out, “Wangye, save me—”
Yu Wang, who was ready to strike again, caught a glimpse of the ghostly figure lunging toward him. Acting on reflex, he delivered a palm strike that sent the unfortunate singer flying back into the pond.
Xiyan, now thoroughly exhausted, dragged himself out of the water once more. He sat on the grass, hugging his knees, and began to sob pitifully.
It was only then that Yu Wang recognized the man as a performer he had casually told to stay at the residence a few days earlier. Some singer named Yan, if he remembered correctly. Had it not been for tonight’s incident, he would have completely forgotten this person existed.
Wu Ming also took note of Xiyan’s face. His brows furrowed sharply, and a murderous glint filled his eyes.
This Dog Wangye had sought out a substitute for Lord Su! Unable to lay hands on the real man, he settled for this performer as a stand-in for his debauchery. How utterly despicable!
The thought of Yu Wang calling out Lord Su’s name while defiling this substitute enraged Wu Ming. His blood boiled, and fury overcame him. He resolved to end this Dog Wangye’s life here and now to prevent future harm to Lord Su.
Without a word, Wu Ming lunged, his sword flashing with cold brilliance aimed straight for Yu Wang’s heart.
“So, an assassin,” Yu Wang muttered, dodging the strike with a cold laugh. As the blade passed, he countered with a punch, its force tearing through the air like a raging tiger, threatening to shatter bones.
The two exchanged blows, probing each other’s capabilities.
Wu Ming’s movements were swift, ruthless, and serpentine, like a venomous viper lunging for its prey. Yu Wang, on the other hand, fought with raw power and directness, his strikes honed by military discipline. Each saw the other as a formidable opponent—victory would not come easily, and any attempt to kill would exact a steep price.
After dozens of exchanges, Wu Ming began to doubt. How could this notorious playboy possess the strength of a god of war?
Yu Wang, for his part, grew impressed by the assassin’s skills. He regretted that such talent was wasted on the shadows and resolved to recruit him.
“Who sent you?” Yu Wang asked during a brief lull. “Your skills are wasted as a mere assassin. Why not abandon the darkness for the light? Join me, and not only will I pardon you, but I will also put your talents to proper use.”
“Who would want that?” Wu Ming retorted coldly. “Even if I fail tonight, I’ll make sure to leave you a bloody lesson so you’ll never dare lay a hand on the innocent again!”
“You misunderstand,” Yu Wang replied, exasperated. “I have never used my power to take advantage of anyone.”
Wu Ming sneered at the shameless excuse: “Do you really think yourself innocent? Was that chessboard not thrown at a dog?”
Yu Wang was momentarily stunned, distracted enough for Wu Ming’s sword to graze his shoulder, leaving a bloodied gash. Yet he seemed indifferent to the wound, focusing instead on his interrogations: “So, you’re here on behalf of Qinghe? What is your relationship with him?”
Wu Ming remained silent, his attacks intensifying.
Yu Wang sidestepped repeatedly while pressing on: “That day in the courtyard, there were no outsiders. Did Qinghe tell you himself? Or…. was it the Embroidered Uniform Guard spy lurking on the roof? Are you one of them?”
“I’m the one the Embroidered Uniform Guards sends to claim lives!”
This final provocation stoked Wu Ming’s disdain for Shen Qi and simultaneously confirmed that Wu Ming and Su Yan indeed shared some form of relationship.
Taking a calculated risk, Yu Wang ceased his resistance, letting Wu Ming’s blade rest against his neck. He said calmly, “If you have ties with Qinghe, this is clearly a misunderstanding. Continuing this fight will only result in mutual destruction. Why not cease hostilities and have a proper discussion?”
Though Wu Ming looked down on his perceived debauchery, he couldn’t deny a grudging respect for Yu Wang’s fearlessness in the face of death. He retracted his blade slightly, though his tone remained frosty: “What is there to discuss?”
Yu Wang explained, “Qinghe and I have long reconciled. When I was in the Eastern Garden, I saved him from an assassin sent by Feng Que. He acknowledged the favor, and we agreed to maintain friendly relations. Did you seek his opinion before attempting this assassination?”
Wu Ming faltered. It had been a long time since he had last seen Su Yan, and he indeed hadn’t consulted him about this matter.
If what the Wangye claimed was true, wouldn’t killing him now be a well-meaning misstep?
Wu Ming cast a glance at Xiyan, still sobbing by the pond, and asked, “Then what about that substitute? Why keep him in your residence if you harbor no vile intentions toward Lord Su?”
Yu Wang exhaled in relief. “So that’s what this is about. I heard of a Kunqu troupe famous in the capital, often invited to perform at officials’ banquets. Out of boredom, I summoned them to the residence for a few performances. By chance, I noticed that this actor bore some resemblance to Qinghe—enough to raise my suspicions. I detained him to observe his actions and uncover any ulterior motives.”
“You suspected this was a deliberate arrangement? What did you find?” Wu Ming pressed.
Yu Wang shook his head. “In recent days, I’ve been preoccupied and forgotten about him. But judging by his demeanor, he seems to have no hidden agendas—at most, he’s trying to use his looks to curry favor for wealth and stability. Perhaps I should release him.”
Wu Ming’s icy expression softened slightly. “If that’s the case, hand him over to me for now.”
Yu Wang’s gaze turned sharp. “What do you intend to do with him?”
Wu Ming retorted mockingly, “Certainly nothing like what you’re used to.”
Yu Wang’s face darkened. “I’ve tolerated your insolence out of respect for your connection to Qinghe. But push further, and I won’t be so lenient!”
Wu Ming, a man who had abandoned even his true name and feared neither heaven nor earth, was a daredevil who wouldn’t flinch before dukes, marquises, or princes. Even in front of the emperor himself, if pushed to the brink, he would risk his life to drag him down from his throne.
He had personally witnessed Yu Wang harassing Su Yan before and still harbored resentment. There was no chance he would speak politely now, much less allow himself to be threatened.
He retorted sharply, “I spared your throat only because you claimed to have reconciled your differences with Lord Su. I’ll verify that claim myself. If I find you still harboring ill intent toward him, I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth! No matter how noble your rank, you’ve only got one life. You might guard yourself for a moment, but you can’t protect yourself forever!”
Yu Wang’s expression darkened, sensing the ominous tone in Wu Ming’s words. “You keep calling him Lord Su. Who exactly do you think you are? A subordinate? A servant? The way you snap at strangers like a watchdog suggests otherwise.”
Wu Ming wasn’t one for verbal sparring. Ordinarily, he’d settle things with his sword for some peace and quiet. But Yu Wang’s martial skill made him difficult to kill, and his every word seemed to circle back to Su Yan, betraying an unmistakable obsession. This infuriated Wu Ming to no end.
“You keep calling him Qinghe as if you’re close. Yet you fail to realize how much Lord Su despises frivolous and lecherous men who see him as some conquest. No matter how high you place yourself, you’ll never escape the words delusional infatuation and one-sided obsession!”
Yu Wang’s face turned frosty as his fists clenched, the knuckles audibly cracking.
Wu Ming held his sword horizontally across his chest, his cold eyes full of vigilance.
Nearby, Xiyan had been listening to the confrontation, first confused, then suddenly enlightened. He realized the hardships he had endured were all because he resembled this “Lord Su.”
He recalled the night Lan Gonggong had sent him into the palace, repeatedly instructing him on how to please the emperor. It dawned on him that he was meant to mimic this very “Lord Su.” Even the emperor, the most exalted figure in the land, had taken notice of Lord Su and refrained from forcing his will on him, unwilling to jeopardize his future. As for the infamous womanizer Yu Wang, his purpose for keeping Xiyan in his residence was merely to investigate whether someone was orchestrating matters behind the scenes. Yet when faced with a sword-wielding assassin, Yu Wang showed restraint out of respect for Lord Su’s connection to the man.
“Lord Su” was born to command admiration and affection, while Xiyan, because of his lowly origins, was destined to be a despised entertainer? Why was it that Lord Su could enjoy the devotion and protection of noble figures, while he, despite sharing a handsome face, was cast into the mud with nothing to his name?
The more Xiyan thought about it, the more bitter and resentful he became. He couldn’t help but feel a growing hatred and jealousy toward this unseen “Lord Su.” He silently resolved: I must meet him in person. I need to see what kind of man could surpass even the most sought-after courtesan in charm and allure!
Five streets away, Su Yan sneezed. He thought to himself, Who’s cursing me now?
In the carriage with him, the crown prince overheard the coachman repeatedly trying to explain to no avail. A commanding officer of the city patrol was insisting on searching their vehicle, going so far as to falsely accuse them of harboring an assassin simply to demand a bribe. Unable to tolerate the insult, the crown prince threw back the curtain and shouted, “Who dares search my carriage?”
Back at Yu Wang’s residence, Xiyan, consumed by jealousy, suddenly rose to his feet and shouted at the two men locked in their tense standoff, “Wangye wants to know who sent me? If I tell you, what do I get in return?”
Yu Wang turned to scrutinize him and sneered, “A reward? Can it be possible that you are planning to demand for a side concubine status?”
Xiyan’s legs almost gave way under Yu Wang’s intense gaze, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. Yet, now that he was riding the tiger, there was no way to back down. Trembling, he forced himself to answer, “I—I dare not harbor such delusions. I only ask that Your Highness take pity on me, as I have neither food nor clothing. Please grant me some wealth…”
“A thousand taels of silver—would that suffice?” Yu Wang sneered. “Speak!”
“It—it was… Lan Gonggong in the imperial palace.”
“What’s his name?”
“I—I don’t know. I only know he serves close to the Emperor.”
Lan Xi? Yu Wang frowned. That old eunuch was the Emperor’s confidant. Was this move the Emperor’s idea? Was it to test whether Yu Wang still harbored improper thoughts toward the court officials? Or was it to plant a spy around him, monitoring his every move? Could the Emperor have suspected something…? Yu Wang sank into deep thought.
Xiyan, driven by jealousy and an unprecedented courage born of hatred, had falsely implicated Lan Xi in the hopes of securing a reward from Yu Wang. With the money, he could redeem his contract of servitude and free himself from the stigma of being a mere performer.
Once rid of that despised identity, he could buy a civilian status. With his looks and talents, what kind of wealthy suitor couldn’t he catch? Worst case, he could leave the capital for the prosperous cities of Suzhou or Hangzhou, where he’d find a gentle and devoted young master to rely on for the rest of his life.
“Nonsense!” Yu Wang snapped out of his thoughts and casually probed, “A mere actor dares to tie himself to the palace? Have you gone mad?”
“I’m not lying!” Xiyan hurriedly explained, half-true and half-false, “Lan Xi said I resembled Lord Su. That’s why he ordered me to serve the Emperor in bed. But the Emperor refused, saying I couldn’t compare to Lord Su and that he couldn’t bear to touch Lord Su. Then Lan Xi sent me to Your Highness’s manor to sing, saying that Wangye would certainly keep me upon seeing me.”
Wu Ming snorted, a mix of mocking Xiyan’s fabrication and disdain for Yu Wang’s infamous reputation.
Yu Wang ignored the unruly assassin and turned his thoughts inward. His gaze grew inscrutable.
—No wonder the Emperor repeatedly punished him under the pretense of inappropriate behavior toward officials back in the Eastern Garden. It turned out the Emperor was just feigning righteousness, seething with jealousy the entire time!
In that case, how could he not repay his imperial brother’s ardent intentions by taking the prize for himself?
Su Qinghe was naturally charming and worthy of affection. Unlike others, being with him wasn’t an indulgence but a refreshingly easy companionship. Especially after their dangerous experience at the small southern courtyard, Yu Wang found his character unique and extraordinary. Wooing him and softening his heart became both a delightful challenge and a personal goal.
Now, however, there was another compelling reason—
Royal Brother, you took away my lands, military power, titles, and even my name. You confined me for ten years. So why not let me take the person you love but cannot have as a small consolation? Would that not be fair?
Yu Wang thought gleefully, imagining the day he held the beauty in his arms, their passion reaching its peak, and the Emperor witnessing it all. Would his brother still be able to maintain that facade of righteousness? That would undoubtedly be a sight worth savoring!
