Chapter 220: Arson
The person who came to set the fire never expected that someone would be in the quiet library today. Caught off guard, he tried to flee but was immediately blocked by Xiao Jue. Naturally, his martial skills were no match; after just one exchange, Xiao Jue dislocated his arm.
While Xiao Jue was subduing the man, He Yan grabbed a nearby long rug to smother the flames. Fortunately, the fire wasn’t large—the man had likely assumed the paper-filled shelves would catch easily and hadn’t used grease oil. Otherwise, even the two of them might not have been able to extinguish it.
The fire was put out in time, burning only half a book. He Yan shook her head at Xiao Jue. “It’s fine, nothing major happened.”
They both looked at the man on the floor. He was young, dressed in plain cloth, and at first glance, he resembled a student of Virtuous Prosperity Academy. With his limbs immobilized by Xiao Jue, he couldn’t move. He Yan noticed calluses on his hands from martial training and frowned. “He doesn’t seem to be a student of Virtuous Prosperity Academy. He must have sneaked in.”
Ordinary students, even those in the martial arts division, wouldn’t have such thick calluses—these were clearly the result of years of rigorous training. Xiao Jue looked down at him coldly. “Who sent you?”
The man merely stared at Xiao Jue, saying nothing.
“Wait.” He Yan seemed to sense something and stepped forward, gripping his chin. Before Xiao Jue could stop her, she said, “He can’t speak. He’s mute.”
Forced to open his mouth, the man revealed an empty cavity with only half a tongue remaining.
“It’s dangerous.” Xiao Jue pulled her up and moved her behind him. “Don’t get too close.”
“They sent a mute, meticulously infiltrating Virtuous Prosperity Academy just to set a fire in the library.” He Yan’s attention wasn’t on herself as she looked at Xiao Jue. “It seems someone else had the same idea as us.”
Although the library housed rare and unique texts, they weren’t valuable enough to warrant such a risk. Moreover, the intruder wasn’t here to steal but to set a fire—and not just anywhere, but precisely on the shelf containing “He Rufei’s” past records. Just as He Yan and Xiao Jue had come to Virtuous Prosperity Academy today to find “He Rufei’s” old handwriting for future reference, the real Young Master He seemed anxious and eager to destroy the evidence.
Xiao Jue asked, “What do you plan to do?”
He Yan lowered her head in thought for a moment, then looked up with a relaxed expression. “Since someone is after ‘General He’s’ notes, we might as well take custody of them first. As for this man… let’s inform Mr. Huang and see what he says.”
When Huang Sancai received the news and arrived, he could hardly believe his eyes. He had allowed Xiao Jue and He Yan into the library less than an incense stick’s time ago—how could someone have already attempted arson?
“Mr. Huang,” Xiao Jue gestured to the man on the floor, “is this person a student of the academy?”
Mr. Huang examined the arsonist’s face carefully and shook his head. “No, he isn’t. I’ve never seen this person before.”
“That settles it.” Xiao Jue nodded. “This man infiltrated the academy and was caught by me just as he was attempting to set a fire.”
Mr. Huang hurried to inspect the shelf where the fire had started—the scattered exam papers on the floor, the half-burned book, and the smell of scorched wood in the room all confirmed that Xiao Jue was telling the truth. Someone had indeed tried to set a fire here."This... why is this?" Huang Sancai was somewhat bewildered. "What grudge does this person hold against our Virtuous Prosperity Academy, to specifically set fire to the library?"
Fortunately, it was the library and not the lecture halls. But if Xiao Jue and He Yan hadn’t been there just now, with few people usually entering the library, by the time the fire was discovered, it would likely have been too late. Thinking of this, a wave of fear washed over Huang Sancai.
"This man is mute," He Yan said with a smile. "He can’t speak."
Xiao Jue’s voice was cold. "Likely related to the Wutuo People."
"W-Wutuo People?" Huang Sancai was startled. "How could Wutuo People appear in Shuojing?"
Xiao Jue spoke calmly. "This matter is confidential. I hope Mr. Huang will keep it secret for me. Since it’s a Wutuo plot, we might as well turn it to our advantage. Please announce later that the library caught fire, destroying a shelf of books. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished in time, averting a major disaster. However... all of the Flying Goose General’s notes were completely destroyed, with none remaining."
"This..." Huang Sancai was still puzzled.
"It concerns the nation’s welfare," Xiao Jue’s gaze was sharp as lightning. "I hope you will prioritize the greater good."
Huang Sancai shivered. "Of course. But General He’s notes..."
"He and I were classmates; they’re just ordinary writings. I’ll take them back to the Xiao family for safekeeping. Once the true culprit behind this is uncovered, I will return them intact."
Huang Sancai sensed something significant and looked again at the young man before him. The once lazy and indifferent youth had shed his youthful naivety, now like an unsheathed sword, utterly different from before.
He bowed his head respectfully and said softly, "I will follow Commander Xiao’s arrangements. As for this person..."
"I will handle it. Mr. Huang only needs to announce publicly that someone perished in the fire."
Huang Sancai nodded in agreement.
After instructing Huang Sancai, a while later, Chi Wu entered and took away the mute who had set the fire, along with a whole sack of "He Rufei’s" notes.
He Yan and Xiao Jue then walked out, chatting as they went. "Xiao Jue, about what just happened... will it work?"
After all, Huang Sancai wasn’t part of the Xiao family, and it was uncertain how much he could keep secret. He Rufei wasn’t a fool either; if someone he sent out didn’t return, even if Huang Sancai announced the library fire, He Rufei might not believe it.
"Don’t worry, leave this to me," Xiao Jue replied.
He Yan thought for a moment. "I suspect Xu Zhiheng is still searching everywhere for Nanny Qin. We must ensure their safety."
Xiao Jue smiled nonchalantly. "Rest assured, the Xu family’s reach doesn’t extend to the Xiao family."
He Yan felt slightly relieved, but the ease of reminiscing about old acquaintances at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy had been disrupted by this sudden incident. Feeling somewhat heavy-hearted, she had just reached the entrance with Xiao Jue when she suddenly heard someone call out, "Miss He."
He Yan looked up and saw a man in an indigo robe standing not far away, gentle as an orchid—it was Chu Zhao.
He also noticed Xiao Jue beside He Yan, his gaze flickering briefly before his smile returned as usual. He stepped forward and greeted, "Commander Xiao, Miss He.""Why is Chu Fourth Young Master here?" He Yan asked with a smile. Since the palace banquet where Emperor Wenxuan bestowed the marriage, she had not seen Chu Zhao again, only knowing that the Xu and Chu families were busy preparing for his wedding with Xu Pingting. Compared to He Yan's modest family background, this match between Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting seemed, on the surface, more suitable in terms of social standing.
Although... He Yan did not believe Chu Zhao was particularly fond of his fiancée, Xu Pingting.
"I came out to take care of some matters," Chu Zhao replied gently.
He Yan noticed that the maid accompanying him today was an unfamiliar one, with plain features—not Ying Xiang. She couldn't help but glance at the maid a few more times. Surprisingly, the maid showed no fear and stared back directly, her gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny. After a moment of thought, He Yan understood. It seemed that Miss Xu Pingting, uneasy about Ying Xiang's striking beauty by Chu Zhao's side, had replaced her with another maid. Ostensibly for service, but in reality, for surveillance. It made sense, after all—Chu Zhao had a notoriously philandering father, and with his own exceptional looks, it was only natural for others to be cautious.
Still, this made Chu Zhao somewhat pitiable. As a man, he couldn't even decide the comings and goings of his own maids. This was only the beginning; once married, Miss Xu Pingting would likely become even more controlling.
The maid's gaze toward He Yan was also tinged with wariness, as if Chu Zhao were a piece of juicy, fatty meat and every woman on the street a starving dog, watching him closely. Unwilling to invite trouble or become an unwitting target, He Yan said, "Xiao Jue and I have matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave now."
Hearing the name "Xiao Jue," Chu Zhao was momentarily taken aback. His eyes swept over the two of them before he smiled and said, "Very well, let's meet another day."
He Yan nodded and hurriedly pulled Xiao Jue away. As for Chu Zhao, after they left, he glanced toward the gates of Virtuous Prosperity Academy, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes.
The maid beside him urged, "Fourth Young Master, it's getting late. Let's go to the silk shop to choose fabrics first. The young lady said all matters related to the wedding must be personally reviewed by you."
The young man concealed the gloom in his eyes and smiled. "Very well."
...
At the entrance of the Xu residence, the servant Fuwang held a broom, sweeping the ground half-heartedly.
He had been distracted all morning, and in truth, this had been the case for more than a day or two. The generous, mysterious benefactor who had last appeared when Fuwang revealed Nanny Qin's whereabouts had not shown up since.
Fuwang felt disappointed. He had originally hoped to make a fortune from this person before leaving, but now they had vanished without a trace. He began to regret whether he had revealed Nanny Qin's whereabouts too soon. Perhaps if he had dragged it out longer, he could have squeezed more out of the other party.
Once accustomed to easy money, looking back at his meager monthly wages left Fuwang feeling deeply unsatisfied.
As he swept, a copper coin suddenly rolled past him. Instinctively, Fuwang followed it, bending down to pick it up. After a few steps, the coin was abruptly pinned under a boot. Startled, he looked up to see a tall man wearing a bamboo hat standing before him, who asked in a low voice, "Are you Fuwang?"
Fuwang was taken aback and stammered, "Y-yes, I am.""Meet at the usual place, the teahouse at the street corner." After saying this, the man turned and left.
Fuwang stared blankly at the copper coin that had been trampled dirty, then bent down to pick it up, wiped off the grime, tucked it into his sleeve, his heart racing wildly. When his companion who had gone to the outhouse returned, Fuwang excused himself on the pretext of having diarrhea, seized the opportunity to slip away, and headed to the teahouse where he had previously met with the mysterious man.
It was still the innermost tea room. The man from earlier was already seated. Fuwang walked in, feeling suspicious. Although this person's attire was very similar to that of the previous man, he was not the same person. Compared to the last mysterious man, the one before him was noticeably taller and more robust.
"Young master, you are…"
"The person who previously asked you to find Nanny Qin can no longer come. From now on, the one dealing with you will be me," Fei Nu said in a hoarse voice.
Xiao Jue had sent him to the Xu residence for the purpose of making a deal with this servant named Fuwang, while also safely distancing He Yan from the matter to avoid leaving any evidence.
Fuwang was taken aback for a moment, then cautiously asked, "May I ask, the previous young master…"
"He's dead," the other replied with extreme coldness. "So, don't ask what you shouldn't ask, and don't look at what you shouldn't see."
These icy words frightened Fuwang. Though greedy for money, he also valued his life. Hearing that the previous mysterious man had died, his mind raced with thoughts. After all, even now, he still didn't know who that person was or why he had been asked to inquire about Nanny Qin's whereabouts.
"Then… what does the young master need from me?" Fuwang ventured to ask.
"I want you to search the Xu residence for all the belongings left behind by the deceased Madam Xu during her lifetime. If there are any old acquaintances related to Madam Xu, you must also find their whereabouts," the man said succinctly.
Previously, it was about finding people and matters related to Concubine He, but now it had shifted to Madam Xu. Why was that?
"I…" Before Fuwang could finish speaking, he saw the man take out a box from beside him, place it on the table, and open it. Inside were neatly stacked dozens of silver ingots.
Fuwang's eyes widened in astonishment. This was far more generous than the previous master, who had given silver one ingot at a time. Never had there been such a lavish display. In that moment, Fuwang cast aside his earlier fear, his mind and eyes filled only with the silver.
"Well?" Fei Nu asked.
"Of course, of course," Fuwang said, pulling the box toward himself, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Even if I have to climb mountains of swords or plunge into seas of fire, I will accomplish this task for you, young master."
"This matter is not simple," Fei Nu deliberately lowered his voice. "Your master will undoubtedly keep an eye on your movements."
"No problem," Fuwang replied. "There are lax areas in the residence as well. However, Madam Xu has been deceased for a long time, and most of her belongings were buried with her body. I'm not sure if anything remains." Blinded by the silver before him, Fuwang racked his brains for a moment before adding, "But the master was deeply devoted to Madam Xu. The courtyard where she used to live is still maintained exactly as it was. Perhaps one or two old items can be found there. However, the courtyard is under surveillance, making it difficult to enter. Still," he said with an ingratiating smile, "I'll think of some way to get in."This man truly had a mercenary heart, or perhaps, the previous He Yan had already drawn out the greed buried deep within his bones, and now it was uncontrollable, which actually saved Fei Nu a lot of effort.
Fei Nu looked at Fuwang, seemingly satisfied, and said, "Very good. This silver is just a deposit. If you can accomplish the task I entrust to you, our master will certainly not treat you poorly."
"May I ask," Fuwang ventured, "who is your master, sir?"
This time, the person opposite was not as mysterious as the previous stranger. He merely raised his head arrogantly and said, "The Flying Goose General personally appointed by His Majesty, Young Master He Rufei."
"General He?" Fuwang exclaimed in surprise. "Why would General He..." He didn't finish the sentence, remembering what the man had said earlier about not asking unnecessary questions, and instead offered an ingratiating smile. "Understood. This humble servant will certainly carry out General He's task diligently."
With the matter settled, Fuwang returned to the Xu household to avoid raising suspicion by being away too long. Fei Nu sat in the teahouse, drained the cup of tea before him, and also stood up to leave.
...
At the Crown Prince's residence, music and dance filled the air today. Crown Prince Guang Yan was in an excellent mood, reclining lazily on a soft couch as he watched the dancing maids. Beside him sat Xu Jingfu.
"Why does the Prime Minister have the leisure to visit my humble abode today?" Guang Yan asked with a smile. "With Zi Lan and Pingting's wedding approaching, the Xu household must be quite busy."
Xu Jingfu replied with a gentle smile, "Household affairs are managed by my wife. I came to see Your Highness today regarding the matter of the Wutuo envoy."
Guang Yan paused while drinking and looked at Xu Jingfu. "Oh? What insight does the Prime Minister have?"
"In less than half a month, the Wutuo envoy will arrive in the capital," Xu Jingfu said. "Currently, the faction advocating for peace outnumbers those advocating for war in the court, so persuading His Majesty won't be difficult. However, regarding the establishment of the Trade Market, I urge Your Highness to reconsider."
"What does the Prime Minister mean by this?" Guang Yan asked indifferently. "It was your idea to collaborate with the Wutuo People in the first place. Since the Wutuo People proposed opening the Trade Market, why are you changing your mind at the last moment?"
Xu Jingfu was not angered by the Crown Prince's attitude and merely smiled. "It's not a change of mind. It's just that now, with Xiao Huaijin's unexpected victory, the initiative has shifted to Great Wei's side. There's no need to feign cooperation with the Wutuo People. Once the Trade Market is established, it will be difficult to negotiate terms with them again. It would be better to raise our demands now; otherwise, wouldn't the Wutuo People have the final say?"
A hint of displeasure flashed across the Crown Prince's face, but it was quickly concealed. "The Prime Minister makes a valid point. However, you must understand one thing: if our private dealings with the Wutuo People were to be exposed, would there be any future? The Wutuo People hold leverage over us. If we don't grant them the right to establish a Trade Market in Great Wei, how could they possibly let it go? If they cause trouble behind the scenes... what if it jeopardizes my grand plans?"
The female musicians playing the zither in the room had quietly withdrawn at some point.
Xu Jingfu remained silent for a while before bowing to the Crown Prince. "Your Highness speaks wisely."
Guang Yan smiled faintly. At that moment, a beautiful woman dressed in a wide-sleeved lotus fairy gown walked in from outside, holding a small silver pot in her hands. She approached the Crown Prince, knelt before him, and offered the wine from the pot.The Crown Prince drained the wine before her in one gulp, then pulled the woman into his embrace. As she lifted her head, a stunningly beautiful face was revealed. Only then did Xu Jingfu recognize her—it was Ying Xiang, the woman Chu Zhao had gifted to the Crown Prince some days earlier.
Seeing Xu Jingfu, Ying Xiang offered a charming smile. "Ying Xiang greets the Prime Minister."
"This girl sent by Zi Lan is truly clever and quick-witted," Guang Yan remarked with satisfaction, pinching the beauty's cheek. "She pleases this palace greatly. Excellent!"
Ying Xiang feigned a pout. "Your Highness flatters me. This humble servant dares not accept such praise."
Xu Jingfu's smile faltered slightly.
In the past, this maid who had served by Chu Zhao's side had stirred trouble repeatedly. Xu Pingting had come to Xu Jingfu multiple times, demanding that he deal with Ying Xiang, all because her beauty was too striking. However, Xu Jingfu had learned that Ying Xiang was rescued by Chu Zhao from the entrance of a brothel. Perhaps her experiences reminded Chu Zhao of his own mother, Ye Runmei, which was why he held Ying Xiang in such high regard.
Chu Zhao was someone Xu Jingfu valued, and he had no intention of damaging their teacher-student relationship over a mere maid. Moreover, keeping Ying Xiang by Chu Zhao's side could serve as a test. If Chu Zhao proved to be a man easily swayed by beauty, he would be unworthy of great responsibility, let alone of staying by Xu Pingting's side.
Over the years, Chu Zhao had clearly withstood the test, showing no romantic interest in Ying Xiang. As Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting's wedding date drew nearer, Xu Pingting grew increasingly anxious.
Xu Jingfu was not unaware that Xu Pingting had privately sought out Crown Prince Guang Yan. Yet, at this moment, he had no intention of dissuading her. In the future, Chu Zhao would be Xu Pingting's husband and Xu Jingfu's son-in-law. If a mere maid caused his daughter displeasure, killing her would be nothing—let alone gifting her away. Chu Zhao should have his own sense of judgment.
Chu Zhao had made the right choice.
Xu Jingfu was pleased. Such a clever young man who understood when to yield and when to hold firm was rare in Shuojing City these days.
In the past, Xu Jingfu's impression of Ying Xiang had always been that of a beautiful yet timid and quiet maid who never stirred trouble. But now, seeing her nestled against the Crown Prince with a clever, charming smile, a faint unease stirred within Xu Jingfu.
The Crown Prince's residence was never short of beauties, nor of clever individuals. The struggles within the inner chambers were no less intense than the power plays in the court. When Xu Pingting sent Ying Xiang into the Crown Prince's residence, she certainly had no intention of letting her survive. Yet, after so many days, Ying Xiang was not only alive but had also won the Crown Prince's favor. This was not something that could be achieved by beauty alone.
The charming beauty's eyes were clear, as if untouched by the filth and corruption of the world. Among the many beauties, she stood out like morning dew—fragile and pure. Even Guang Yan, who did not cherish beauty, looked at her with a hint of tenderness in his eyes.
Xu Jingfu sat for a while longer before rising to take his leave. After he departed, Guang Yan ordered the servants to clear away the bowls, chopsticks, and cups Xu Jingfu had used.
"An old fool, nothing but a Prime Minister, yet he acts as if he's some great figure, even daring to meddle in this palace's affairs," Crown Prince Guang Yan muttered, his eyes darkening with malice now that Xu Jingfu was gone. "I think his reach has grown far too long!"Ying Xiang nestled against Guang Yan, her small hand gently stroking his chest to soothe his breath, softly comforting him, "Your Highness need not be overly angry. The world will one day be Your Highness's world. Whatever Your Highness says goes—why would you need to listen to others?"
These words greatly pleased Guang Yan, who kissed her on the cheek. "You little one, you certainly know how to speak. Be careful, or Xu Xiang might hear and cause trouble for you."
"Even if the Minister wants to trouble this servant, I am still His Highness's person. His Highness will surely protect me, won't he?" Ying Xiang said in a sweet voice, "Even being His Highness's servant is better than most people in the world. Besides, let me tell Your Highness a secret." She leaned closer to Guang Yan, looking utterly charming.
Unlike other beauties who either flattered him or feared him, this maid was different, and Guang Yan liked that. He asked, "What secret?"
"I don't like Minister Xu either," Ying Xiang said with a troubled expression. "Minister Xu has too many rules and always insists on his own ideas. I'm afraid that one day, Minister Xu might even meddle in Your Highness's affairs and have you send me away. That would be truly terrible."
(End of Chapter)
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