Chapter 244: Seven Stars Cult Leader
Yuzhou was also raining.
Chen Qing removed his rain cloak and hurried inside. "Master, we've caught Yuan Shifang's trail."
Gu Yanxi showed no surprise, still lowering his head as he steadily applied brushstrokes. A painting of a noble lady emerged vividly on paper. After hesitating slightly around the eyes, he set down the brush, took a nearby cloth to wipe his hands, and looked up at Chen Qing.
Chen Qing continued, "Yuan Shifang is extremely cautious. He hasn't left his residence, receiving only colleagues without meeting any outsiders. If our men hadn't kept close watch, even recording how many maidservants accompany his wife, we wouldn't have noticed an extra person returning with Lady Yuan after her outing."
"The Seven Stars Cult Leader has entered the residence?"
"Confirmed, master. Shall we move?"
Gu Yanxi tapped the table with his knuckles. "Where did she join the group?"
"Near the ritual ground where she previously performed ceremonies. We've been monitoring that area closely since we lost track there several times before..." Chen Qing suddenly fell silent.
"She knows I'm looking for her."
Chen Qing's expression turned grim. "You mean she deliberately left this clue? To draw us out? But we represent the authorities. Even if she lures us out, what can she do? Does she think she can eliminate us all?"
"She knows everything you know. Since she's aware and still acts this way, she must have some scheme." Gu Yanxi propped his chin on one hand, the corners of his lips curling upward. "Let's grant her wish. Lead the team yourself, using my identity."
Having served the Heir for years, Chen Qing immediately understood his master was using this to investigate any connection with those few in the capital. The operations of the Seven Constellation Bureau, especially those led by its chief, remained largely unknown to outsiders. Only those few could obtain some information. If this involved them again...
Chen Qing shuddered. The blood from before hadn't yet been washed away. He hoped they wouldn't test their master's limits again regarding this matter.
The door opened and closed. Gu Yanxi sat quietly for a moment before picking up the brush again, carefully applying the final strokes to the eyes in the painting. With this finishing touch, the figure on paper suddenly gained vitality, as if coming to life.
Yet Gu Yanxi remained disappointed. No matter how many times he painted, he could never capture A Zhi's essence, particularly her gaze. He simply couldn't reproduce that quiet yet powerful look in Hua Zhi's eyes.
Still, this was his best attempt so far. Unable to bear discarding it, Gu Yanxi carefully hung it to dry. More than the painting, he longed to see the actual person!
Meanwhile, Chen Qing donned his mask and led his team straight into the Chief Administrator's Mansion. While common folk might not recognize what this mask represented, everyone in official circles knew.
Yuan Shifang's face twitched at the sight of the mask, but as a regional chief administrator, he maintained his composure. Rising, he performed a formal bow. "This humble official greets Your Excellency."
Adopting the Heir's usual demeanor, Chen Qing responded coldly, "Administrator Yuan, courtesy acknowledged. The Seven Constellation Bureau acts by imperial decree. Please step aside."
"Wait." Yuan Shifang, caught off guard by the Bureau's swift action, reacted belatedly. "Might I ask who in my household has committed an offense?"
"Administrator Yuan need not worry. Simply wait." Chen Qing waved his hand. "Search."Yuan Shifang attempted to block them again, but the Seven Constellation Bureau agents forced him back into his seat, rendering him momentarily immobile. Consumed by guilt, he dared not resist too obviously and reveal his hand, yet he couldn’t resist too little and arouse suspicion. In that split second, he weighed his options and settled on a stern expression. "Though my rank is humble," he said, "I must ask, my lord—what if the Seven Constellation Bureau finds nothing in my residence?"
Anticipating the Heir’s likely reaction to such words, Chen Qing replied in a measured tone, "What must be done, will be done."
Frustrated yet powerless, Yuan Shifang could only hope that the person in question had already fled the mansion. Please, he prayed silently, let them not be caught...
"Chief, we’ve found them!"
Yuan Shifang whipped his head around and, to his horror, saw that very person being shoved into the room by the Bureau agents. His mind went blank. How? How could she not have escaped?
"Seize them."
But it was not the Seven Stars Cult Leader who was seized—it was Yuan Shifang.
Naturally, Yuan Shifang denied everything; he had to. "My lord, I have no idea who this person is or why she was in my residence. I beg you to see the truth!"
Chen Qing, maintaining the Heir’s usual aloof demeanor, remained silent and merely gestured. The Bureau agents scattered, swiftly taking control of the entire Chief Administrator’s Mansion.
Yuan Shifang was thrown into the very prison cells where he had once confined others—without even a guard posted. Gu Yanxi almost hoped someone would attempt a jailbreak.
"Master, as you predicted, the Seven Stars Cult Leader never left. It seemed as though she was waiting for us."
"Not waiting for you—waiting for the Chief of the Seven Constellation Bureau." Gu Yanxi toyed with a silver hairpin, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. The eldest prince’s influence had already been severed, and he was now far in the northern territories—this matter couldn’t be related to him. As for the other princes, each seemed a possible suspect at first glance, yet upon closer thought, none were likely. No matter how covetous they were of the throne, they wouldn’t employ the same tactics while the situation remained volatile.
Or perhaps this had nothing to do with the palace at all?
If that were the case... heh, when had the Daqing Dynasty become so full of holes?
"Interrogate Yuan Shifang tonight."
"Yes."
Interrogations were traditionally the purview of the three judicial offices. After stepping out to make arrangements, Chen Qing returned. "What about the Seven Stars Cult Leader? How should we handle her?"
"Since she took the bait, we must ensure she bites." Gu Yanxi paused abruptly. "Come closer."
Puzzled, Chen Qing took a step forward.
"Right in front of me."
Sensing something amiss, Chen Qing immediately complied.
Gu Yanxi leaned in and sniffed. He had detected a scent moments earlier—why had it vanished up close?
"Return to your previous position."
The moment Chen Qing moved back, Gu Yanxi faintly caught the scent again, confirming his senses hadn’t failed him.
"Master, is there something wrong with me?"
"Did you get near the Seven Stars Cult Leader earlier?"
Chen Qing thought back. "I ordered her detained in the side room. She passed by me at that time."
If it had been Shaoyao passing by someone, she could have slipped dozens of lethal pills or powders onto them in an instant. Even if this woman wasn’t quite Shaoyao’s equal, sprinkling something on Chen Qing wouldn’t have been difficult.
A slight smile touched Gu Yanxi’s lips. So she used this method to verify whether the same person was behind the mask. It seemed she indeed knew a thing or two about the Chief of the Seven Constellation Bureau. In that case... "From now on, you will handle all interactions with her. Be cautious—she has her tricks.""Yes." Ever since he had personally followed her and still lost track of the person, he knew this woman had some skills. Chen Qing didn't dare underestimate her in the slightest.
Chen Qing suddenly thought of the Hua family's eldest young lady—she was also a quite capable young woman, yet she gave off a completely different impression from the Seven Stars Cult Leader. One made people instinctively wary at first glance, while the other could make others let down their guard. Indeed, he still preferred... pah, he'd rather deal with the eldest young lady.
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