Love Like the Galaxy

Master Secretary Yin's words struck like a muffled thunderbolt from the sky, leaving everyone's ears ringing.

Wan Songbai jolted awake and slapped his thigh forcefully: "I remember now! No wonder it felt familiar—it was when I detoured to Chen County over half a year ago to congratulate the prefect on his birthday. I remember now, I remember... That old man surnamed Yan was sitting among the county magistrates, putting on airs without saying a word, utterly annoying!"

"So it really was the Copper Bull County Magistrate..." Cheng Song muttered blankly, "Why would he go to Xu County, and who was he meeting?"

These were precisely the questions on everyone's minds. They exchanged puzzled glances.

Ling Buyi turned slightly and asked, "Master Secretary Yin, do you know this Yan Zhong?"

Not daring to be associated with a rebel, Master Secretary Yin quickly replied, "Reporting to Lord Ling, this humble official does not know the traitor Yan personally. However, I am a native of Xu County, and my wife is from Chen County..." He gave an awkward smile. "Country folk love to gossip in their idle time. Whenever I return to my clan gatherings, I hear all the trivial matters from the northern counties. And when I accompany my wife to her maternal clan, I learn all the gossip from the southern counties."

He glanced around the room and continued, "This County Magistrate Yan was quite notorious in Chen County. Everyone knew his posting to Copper Bull County was due to Your Majesty's demotion, so no one in the local government respected him. With no backing and an arrogant disposition, how could his life be easy?! Four or five months ago, his elderly mother fell seriously ill. He had to pawn his family's possessions to hire renowned physicians, even exchanging his carriage for an ox cart—one green ox and one yellow ox. It became a laughingstock throughout Chen County. Later, Old Madam Yan recovered, and the Yan family gradually regained their footing. He switched back to a carriage—by my reckoning, when Prefect Wan visited the Overlapping Water Shrine, Yan Zhong was still using that green and yellow ox team."

The room fell silent, save for Wan Songbai muttering, "And that's why they wanted to kill me? Even if it was that old man Yan Zhong, I didn't see anything else."

Ling Buyi said, "Perhaps the mere fact that Prefect Wan witnessed Yan Zhong meeting someone else was, in itself, a significant threat to the mastermind behind this."

Master Lu pondered for a long moment before bowing to Ling Buyi. "My lord is mired in danger without realizing it. This old man humbly begs Lord Ling to instruct us—what should our next steps be?"

Wan Songbai thought to himself that since Ling Buyi was the Cheng family's son-in-law, constantly seeking his help might make the Chengs appear weak. So he deliberately adopted a casual tone: "Ah, Teacher needn't worry. I've been through countless dangers over the years—what are a few assassins to me..."

"Indeed, they're nothing—just a few serious injuries, just lying in bed for a mere couple of days," Wan Qiqi seized the opportunity to undermine her father.

Shao Shang chuckled softly. She was about to share her brilliant ideas on investigating the case when she remembered Ling Buyi beside her and quickly shrank back, deferring to him with her gaze.

Ling Buyi silently cursed, 'Now she remembers to be demure and respectful,' before speaking solemnly: "Master Lu need not worry. Before, we were in the dark while our enemy was in the light—they plotted against our unpreparedness. Now that we're alert, it would be even better if the assassins dare to come again. I'll send men to escort Prefect Wan back to the Capital City. If we capture a few alive along the way, we'll learn everything."Upon hearing this, everyone in the room burst into laughter and relaxed.

"Prefect Wan should continue recuperating. Once you've recovered, return to the Capital City for an imperial audience. Remember one thing—this time, you were impeached by Huang Wen. When you return to the capital, clarify everything. Since you have evidence to prove your innocence, speak freely. Answer whatever His Majesty asks, and if you don’t know something, just say so. As for other matters, you need not concern yourself," Ling Buyi continued.

Wan Songbai was puzzled: "But the mastermind behind this..."

"Those not in office should not meddle in governance. Since the root of the matter lies in Copper Bull County, it should be the officials of Chen County who are anxious—what does it have to do with Xu County? First clear your own name, then worry about the rest."

Master Lu praised, "Lord Ling speaks wisely. We were so caught up in the confusion that we lost our heads."

With the matter settled, Ling Buyi began assigning tasks.

Uncle Ban had only suffered a recurrence of an old ailment; after resting for two days, he could continue the journey. Ban Jia still held a military post and couldn’t return to the capital without authorization, so he had no choice but to remain with Ling Buyi. Meanwhile, Ling Buyi planned to personally visit Copper Bull County, leaving the younger members of the Cheng family to continue caring for Wan Songbai until his injuries improved enough to travel.

Ling Buyi rose, weighed down by his thoughts. Before he could step over the threshold, he caught sight of Shao Shang and Wan Qiqi huddled together, whispering excitedly. He faintly overheard them planning to go up the mountain to dig for wild vegetables and raid bird nests. After a moment’s consideration, he turned on his heel, walked over, and hauled Shao Shang up by the collar. "You’re coming with me to Copper Bull County. Bring two maids and your personal belongings—that’s all."

Shao Shang was both surprised and delighted. "You’re taking me to Copper Bull County to investigate? You think I can help?"

"I just don’t want to lose sight of you and have to turn back halfway to rescue you again."

Shao Shang: "..."

Since Copper Bull County was located at the northernmost edge of Chen County, bordering Xu County, there was no need to bring much luggage—a single ammunition wagon would suffice. With Lian Fang and Sang Guo in tow, and dressed in the brand-new riding suit the Empress had recently ordered the palace tailors to make for her, Shao Shang was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to depart early the next morning.

Xiao Hou Ban leaned halfway out of his carriage, unable to resist stealing a few more glances at her. The riding suit was made of crimson brocade embroidered with gold, trimmed with snow-white sable fur and a pearl-studded collar. It accentuated the girl’s fair complexion, rosy cheeks, and glossy dark hair. Even amidst the bleakness of deep winter, her youthful radiance shone like spring blossoms.

Following Ling Buyi’s instructions, Shao Shang personally inspected the horses’ hooves before departure. Suddenly, she noticed her twin brother leading his horse over as well. "Third Brother, what are you doing here?" she asked curiously.

Cheng Shaogong replied weakly, "I’ve long admired the scenery of Copper Bull County and thought I’d join you for the trip."

"Don’t joke around—you’ve never cared for nature."

"Actually, I’ve long admired Xiao Hou Ban and wanted to share a bed with him for a night of conversation, to become friends."

Ban Jia was both shocked and thrilled. "Really? What have you heard about me? I’d be honored to call you brother!" Having grown up lonely, with his family overly protective, he had never had close childhood friends.

Cheng Shaogong gave a forced smile. "Thanks."

Shao Shang rested her hand on the dagger at her waist and narrowed her eyes. "Third Brother, you’d better tell the truth! Are you still worried about me being alone with Lord Ling? With so many guards and such a long procession, are you blind?!"

Cheng Shaogong snapped, "What else am I supposed to do? I’m at my wits’ end!"Having said that, he seemed too exhausted to bother with Shao Shang any longer. Tossing the reins to her casually, he automatically climbed into Ban Jia's carriage: "Make some room, Young Marquis. Let me squeeze in with you... Hmm? Why do you keep staring at my little sister?"

Ban Jia blushed. "N-no reason... I just think Young Lady Shao Shang is... quite lovely." Truthfully, he wasn't harboring any improper thoughts—it was merely an innocent appreciation of beauty.

Cheng Shaogong, spotting Ling Buyi approaching through the carriage window, remarked coldly, "If the Young Marquis were to dress in women's attire, I daresay his beauty wouldn't lose to my sister's."

Ban Jia, both embarrassed and indignant, yanked the carriage curtain down forcefully. "Y-you—how can you speak so rudely... Just moments ago, you claimed you wanted to befriend me, yet you're no different from those who mock me...!"

Cheng Shaogong remained expressionless. "Good medicine tastes bitter, honest advice grates the ears. In time, Young Marquis, you'll realize what a rare and candid friend I am. Just now, I saved half your life." Ling Buyi was wolf-like—he'd take offense if someone so much as glanced at what he considered his territory.

"You're talking nonsense! I don't believe you!"

"Since fate has brought us together today, I'll help you once more—stop speaking in such an effeminate manner, or people will still be laughing at you when you're fifty." "...I won't speak to you anymore!"

Ban Jia was so humiliated he nearly shed tears.

Both his parents had passed away early, his great-grandfather was elderly, and his uncle was disabled. Since childhood, he had been coddled by his widowed aunt and Mother Fu, which naturally made his demeanor somewhat delicate. But that didn't mean he didn't yearn for a life of martial valor.

"Don't be upset," Cheng Shaogong patted his back consolingly. "Pity you weren't born into our family. Otherwise, a good thrashing from Mother would've toughened you right up—thick-skinned and unshakable." Though he said this, he reconsidered—Madam Xiao had always disliked boys like Ban Jia.

Outside the carriage, Ling Buyi's crisp orders rang out, and the Light Cavalry Camp set off briskly. Ban Jia sniffled delicately and curled up in a corner, while Cheng Shaogong leaned against the carriage wall, feigning sleep. But before long, someone called for him from outside.

"Third Young Master, Third Young Master!" A Cheng Residence attendant whispered urgently, poking his head into the carriage. "I saw Young Lady and Lord Ling slip into the carriage ahead—they're alone in there!"

Cheng Shaogong's eyes flew open in alarm. "Weren't they all riding horses earlier? And Lord Ling is a military commander—how could he...?" Well, even army commanders could ride in carriages!

Without further questions, he pushed open the carriage door, planted a foot on the footboard, and used the momentum to leap gracefully onto a horse held by another attendant. Digging his heels into the horse's flanks, he raced off in a cloud of dust.

Ban Jia watched, dumbfounded, from inside the carriage. Cheng Shaogong was a year younger than him and seemed just as scholarly and frail, yet his agility was astonishing—truly still as a maiden, swift as a hare. Innocent by nature, Ban Jia didn't understand why Cheng Shaogong had rushed off so urgently. After a moment's hesitation, he also called for a horse and followed.

Panting heavily, Cheng Shaogong caught up to the massive black iron carriage at the front of the procession. Ignoring the startled expressions of the guards and driver, he flung himself from his saddle onto the carriage door. Liang Qiuqi had already drawn a cold, gleaming dagger, but upon recognizing Cheng Shaogong, he withheld his lethal strike.Cheng Shaogong barged into the carriage, where only a man and a woman were present. The handsome young man had his robe half-open, revealing a beige undergarment and a fair, firm chest marked by a striking bloodstain, like red silk wrapped in snow. The young girl had one hand gripping his sleeve while the other held a fine linen handkerchief. Upon closer inspection, Ling Buyi’s left hand rested on the girl’s waist, and his right hand was clasping the small hand she had placed on his shoulder.

“What are you two doing?!” Cheng Shaogong felt as if smoke was rising from the top of his head.

Shao Shang quickly pushed Ling Buyi away, her cheeks flushed. “Lord Ling’s injury hasn’t fully healed yet, I... I was just changing his dressing…” It was true that she had been applying medicine, but there had also been some intimate whispering. She wasn’t bold enough to take things further—just some flirtatious glances and teasing without crossing the line.

Seeing the medicine-stained handkerchief in his sister’s hand, Cheng Shaogong’s misunderstanding was cleared, but fear quickly took its place.

When he had first rushed into the carriage, he had caught a glimpse of Ling Buyi’s expression—gentle and tender, like the endless green clouds stretching across the sky, his fair face tinged with a lingering blush. But now, his throat moved slightly, and the calm, autumn-water-like eyes were now simmering with anger, as if flames were about to erupt from beneath the surface.

“Well, it’s like this…” Cheng Shaogong slowly retreated behind his younger sister, forcing himself to stay composed. “About this case, I thought of something… Ah, Xiao Hou Ban is here too! Please, come in, come in!”

In this vast world, nothing mattered more than his own life. Having grown up under Madam Xiao’s watchful eye, he had learned to act swiftly in precarious situations. Without hesitation, he yanked Ban Jia—who had been peering curiously outside the carriage—inside. The more people present, the safer he felt.

Ling Buyi slowly adjusted his robe, then pulled the girl to sit closer to him before speaking coldly, “Third Young Master, if you have any insights, please share them freely.”

Cheng Shaogong had no real insights, but he was quick-witted enough to improvise. “Last night, I thought about it. Since Yan Zhong defected to the enemy, he must have needed someone to facilitate it. I suspect what Uncle Wan saw that day at the Overlapping Water Shrine was Yan Zhong meeting with Rebel Peng’s envoy! Yes, that must be it!”

A mocking smile tugged at Ling Buyi’s lips. “Is that all?”

Cheng Shaogong awkwardly replied, “…Yes…?”

“For just these two sentences, you barged into the carriage without regard for consequences. How commendable.” Ling Buyi’s tone was indifferent. “Since we’re on the topic, I also have a few questions. Perhaps the Third Young Master and Xiao Hou Ban can help clarify.”

Cheng Shaogong hastily muttered his deference, while Ban Jia timidly kept silent.

“First, Prefect Wan witnessed Yan Zhong meeting someone at the Overlapping Water Shrine four months ago, yet the assassination attempts only began last month. Why is that?”

Cheng Shaogong had no answer. Ban Jia ventured a guess, “Perhaps it took until last month to gather the manpower?”

Shao Shang’s blush had finally faded. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Two whole months to gather people? No. It’s because neither Yan Zhong nor the other man recognized Uncle Wan at the time. And since Uncle Wan always dresses lavishly, they might have mistaken him for a passing merchant and didn’t pay him much mind.”

“Then why did the assassination attempts start last month?” Cheng Shaogong asked.Shao Shang said, "Because last month they saw Uncle Wan again and learned he was the prefect of Xu Commandery. Serving in the same court, what if they ran into each other and were recognized? Naturally, they had to silence him."

Ling Buyi's eyes showed appreciation. "Well said. I thought the same, but this leads to the second puzzle. Yan Zhong fleeing with copper is common knowledge. If they killed Prefect Wan four months ago to prevent leaks, that makes sense. But by early last month, Yan Zhong had already fled—why kill Prefect Wan then? Whether they killed him or not, everyone already knew he colluded with Rebel Peng. Why bother?"

Cheng Shao Gong and Ban Jia looked confused. Shao Shang gazed at the carriage roof and suddenly said, "...So that day, the person surnamed Yan might not have been meeting someone from Rebel Peng's side, but someone else who couldn't be recognized by Uncle Wan!"

Ban Jia lightly clapped. "Well said, Cheng Niangzi!"

Ling Buyi smiled. "Exactly. Next is the third point, which I still can't figure out. Yan Zhong wasn't incompetent. If he wanted to meet someone secretly, he had plenty of ways to disguise it. Why insist on riding that Green Ox and Yellow Ox carriage? The distance between the two places isn't far—half a day's ride on horseback would suffice. Even if he couldn't afford a horse, renting one from the market wouldn't cost much. But if the meeting was aboveboard, why choose such a remote shrine?"

Cheng Shao Gong said, "Maybe Yan Zhong and the other person were devout Taoists who arranged to visit the shrine together?"

Ling Buyi glanced at him, deeming the question unworthy of a reply.

Ban Jia said, "Maybe the other person was in a hurry, so Magistrate Yan crossed the commandery border to meet him?"

Ling Buyi said, "That's possible. But if they were pressed for time, wouldn't Yan Zhong have ridden a horse instead?"

Shao Shang thought of another possibility and laughed. "Maybe that Yan fellow couldn't ride a horse, just like Xiao Hou Ban—a frail scholar."

Ban Jia protested, "I can ride! I can also shoot arrows and fence. If you don't believe me, I'll hunt some game for you later!"

Cheng Shao Gong teased, "What nonsense. How could there be scholars who can't ride or shoot? They're part of the Six Arts—everyone learns them."

Shao Shang paused, realizing she was out of touch again.

The scholars of this era weren't like those of later generations. Even Confucian scholars who spent their days debating classics on the Scripture Discussion Platform could wield swords, ride, and shoot—capable of cutting down a few bandits if needed. Naturally, schoolyard fights were also fierce. It was said several teachers at the Imperial Academy were master swordsmen, honed from years of breaking up student brawls.

"Then what's the reason?" she wondered aloud.

Ling Buyi said, "When we reach Copper Bull County, perhaps we'll all find out."

Author's Note: This chapter's a bit short. I'll add more tomorrow. Will edit later—

I didn't write the case just for the thrill of deduction but to advance the plot—

Ban Jia is Old Marquis Ban's great-grandson, not grandson. I made a mistake earlier; will correct it when I have time.