Lou Ben looked down at the crowd below with a genial smile. Though he clearly saw Wan Songbai and his attendants, he showed no sign of awkwardness and spoke with graceful ease: "Though I dare claim acquaintance with Zisheng, we've never had the chance for a deeper conversation. Today presents a fortunate opportunity—how about I offer a jar of wine, and we can have a heart-to-heart talk?"
Wan Songbai, still utterly confused, kept muttering and asking what was going on. Shao Shang had no desire to participate in the "heart-to-heart" between Ling and Lou, so she planned to lead the others to a secluded spot for explanations, hoping not to bruise Old Man Wan's tender feelings. But before she could act, Ling Buyi had already loudly accepted Lou Ben's invitation and promptly hauled Shao Shang upstairs with him.
Left with no choice, Wan Songbai and the others followed the guards to rest temporarily.
As she lifted her skirts to climb the stairs, Shao Shang offered an apologetic smile: "You men have your matters to discuss—as a woman, I should probably excuse myself."
Ling Buyi remained silent, hauling her upstairs like one might carry a grass carp to the kitchen.
Upon reaching the elegant private room on the second floor, Liang Qiuqi and his team of guards dispersed the surrounding guests and secured the doors and windows, leaving only Ling, Lou, and Cheng inside.
Seeing Shao Shang's presence, Lou Ben paused momentarily before bowing and extending his sleeves in greeting: "Zisheng, Cheng Niangzi, please be seated."
Ling Buyi smiled faintly with a hint of mockery: "Ziwei, your composure is remarkable. Let's hope it remains equally steady later."
Lou Ben turned and said: "Young Lady Shao, it seems we share some fate—we nearly became family. Had the He family not encountered misfortune, you would have called me 'Husband's uncle' by now."
A bitter taste rose in Shao Shang's mouth. If only you knew it was your attendance at the Cheng family's betrothal banquet that drew Ling Buyi's attention, you wouldn't be so courteous now.
Ling Buyi's smile vanished as he said coldly: "Back when Emperor Li intended to select women from the Lou family for his harem, the candidates were already on their way when the rebel army fortunately stormed his secondary capital first. By that logic, the Lou family nearly became relatives of Emperor Li too."
Lou Ben chuckled: "Such fiery temper in the dead of winter, Zisheng? Come now, have a seat first."
Shao Shang interjected: "I feel slightly stifled—I'll stand by the window for a while." Her fiancé seemed particularly combustible today—best keep away from open flames.
Lou Ben turned to ladle wine from the jar, returning with a wide-mouthed, double-handled bronze vessel. Smiling, he offered: "This clear wine is exceptionally mellow and sweet—do taste it, Zisheng."
"I don't care for wine," Ling Buyi declined with a raised hand. "Let's discuss official business."
"Official business?" Lou Ben slowly set down the bronze vessel, his lips curving in a smile. "The great victory at Shouchun two days ago was regrettably without your presence—another major achievement missed."
After a pause, Ling Buyi responded: "I've heard of your remarkable strategies these past days—whether in field battles or city sieges, you've proven invincible. Now everyone proclaims Ziwei as the nation's unparalleled talent."
Lou Ben replied: "Surely this isn't the 'official business' you wished to discuss."
Ling Buyi stated: "Yesterday I sent an urgent report to His Majesty—the bodies of former Copper Bull County magistrate Yan Zhong and his entire family were discovered beneath Wangfeng Pavilion outside the city walls. This casts doubt on the allegation of Yan Zhong's defection and treason."
Lou Ben feigned first-time hearing: "Oh? How extraordinary. But isn't that premature judgment, Zisheng? Even if Yan Zhong's family perished, it doesn't necessarily prove his innocence. Moreover, with major battles imminent and everyone occupied with military strategies, you've been investigating a suspected copper thief and deserter instead?"Ling Buyi said with a hint of sarcasm, "With a talent like Ziwei strategizing for the war, I can certainly take the leisure to investigate the Yan family case."
Lou Ben's smile faded. Shao Shang paced by the window, itching to climb out along the outer wall.
"Since Zisheng insists there are hidden circumstances in Yan Zhong's alleged betrayal, I'm all ears," Lou Ben replied.
Ling Buyi continued, "At some point, Yan Zhong befriended a young nobleman. They shared similar ideals and conversed happily, though others in the county remained unaware..."
"If no one knew, how can you be certain he was a nobleman?"
"Had the man been of common birth like Yan Zhong, there would have been no need for secrecy—Yan could have introduced him openly to his family. But Yan, who had suffered harsh treatment from noble families due to his impulsive nature, remained resentful to this day. To avoid accusations of currying favor with nobility, he kept this friendship hidden."
Lou Ben chuckled, "Zisheng's reasoning is sound. Very well, proceed, Lord Ling."
"Yan Zhong and this nobleman would occasionally meet in secluded places, discussing current affairs and aspirations with great rapport," Ling Buyi went on. "Both wished to avoid being seen, but for different reasons—the nobleman had ulterior motives, while Yan was simply being discreet. Thus, the nobleman always traveled light and alone, while Yan, though not wanting attention, didn't go out of his way to hide, merely choosing less-traveled paths." That's why he carelessly continued using the Green Ox and Yellow Ox carriage.
"Given their long acquaintance, surely there must have been correspondence?" Lou Ben inquired.
Ling Buyi shook his head. "The reason eludes me. Perhaps they never exchanged letters, or perhaps the correspondence was destroyed. In any case, I found no written evidence in Yan Zhong's residence."
"Without a single trace of writing, how can Zisheng assert the existence of this imaginary nobleman based on mere conjecture?" Lou Ben mocked.
Unfazed, Ling Buyi replied, "It's not just conjecture. Four months ago at the Overlapping Water Shrine, Prefect Wan Songbai of Xu Commandery saw this man."
Lou Ben's smile faltered.
Ling Buyi added, "In truth, their meetings weren't entirely unseen—just witnessed only by villagers and farmers in those remote locations. Such common folk, far removed from court affairs, posed no threat. But Prefect Wan was different... With time pressing, once I dispatch men for thorough inquiries, we'll surely find rural witnesses who spotted Yan Zhong with this nobleman in the fields or hills. What say you, Ziwei?"
Lou Ben's expression darkened. "Suppose Yan Zhong did have such a noble friend."
"When Marquis Cui's army arrived last month, Prefect Wan led the welcoming party. The nobleman spotted him in the crowd, realizing a major oversight. Some matters remain harmless if unmentioned, but once noticed, flaws become glaring. Hence, Prefect Wan has faced repeated assassination attempts recently, narrowly escaping death multiple times."
Ling Buyi asked solemnly, "Ziwei, I must ask—did you know Yan Zhong?"
The room fell silent. Shao Shang stole a glance—Lou Ben had one hand clenched tightly in his sleeve, the other gripping the table corner so hard his knuckles turned white.After a long silence, Lou Ben suddenly smiled brightly and said, "I do know Yan Zhong, so what? I saw that he had great strategies and lamented that despite his lofty ambitions, he had no opportunity to realize them. So I often met with him. But I knew nothing about his private actions."
—That was the crux of the matter. Even if it could be confirmed that Lou Ben and Yan Zhong were acquainted, it couldn’t be proven that Yan Zhong’s actions were influenced by his knowledge.
However, Ling Buyi’s response was clever. He said, "Indeed, just as I know you, Zisheng, but I have no knowledge of your actions either. Should a decree be issued and the blade fall, it would have nothing to do with me."
Shao Shang heard the corner of the table creak and silently hoped Lou Ben wouldn’t cough up blood in anger.
"In the end, Yan Zhong didn’t defend Copper Bull County to the death but abandoned the city and fled with the stolen copper. What’s the point of dragging me into this, Zisheng?" Lou Ben’s tone grew sharper. "‘Deluded by greed, burdened by guilt’—these eight words written by Yan Zhong are known to all. Clearly, they were his confession of guilt. Now that his crimes are proven, why must you keep hounding this matter?!"
"If someone hadn’t repeatedly sent assassins after high-ranking regional officials and court ministers, I wouldn’t be so persistent in pursuing this," Ling Buyi remained unmoved, as steady as a towering mountain.
"Fine, then how do you explain those eight words, Zisheng?" Lou Ben sneered.
"Ever since Peng Zhen raised his army in rebellion three months ago, several counties in the eastern part of Chen Commandery fell into rebel hands. Just as Copper Bull County was on the brink of collapse, someone told Yan Zhong they had a plan to ensure the safety of his elderly mother and young child. Knowing Yan Zhong’s character, he should have defended the city with his entire family to the death. But at that moment, his resolve wavered, and for the first time, he asked the county magistrate how to ensure the safety of his wife, children, and elderly mother. The ‘deluded by greed’ he wrote wasn’t about fearing death or coveting wealth—it was about the safety of his mother and child! His ‘burdened by guilt’ wasn’t about failing to defend the city or intending to surrender to the enemy—it was about betraying the reputation of loyalty and righteousness he had upheld for decades!"
Outside, the thunderous sound of drums and gongs erupted, and the streets roared with deafening cheers. Yet the elegant room on the second floor was as silent as the deep sea, beneath whose surface lurked schemes and treachery.
Shao Shang couldn’t help but glance back discreetly. She noticed that Lou Ben’s features somewhat resembled Lou Yao’s, but while Lou Yao’s brow carried an air of bright heroism, Lou Ben’s bore traces of calculation and scheming. Could this seemingly harmless and amiable man really be the one who repeatedly sent assassins after Uncle Wan? Truly, appearances could be deceiving.
"Yan Zhong trusted this friend’s words, entrusting not only his elderly mother and young child but also the two thousand catties of refined copper, thinking that even if the city fell and he died, his merit in protecting the copper would at least be recognized. But who knew..." Ling Buyi paused. "In the pit dug beneath Wangfeng Pavilion, only fragments of winter clothing and fur hoods belonging to Yan Zhong’s mother and child were found—none from Yan Zhong or his wife. That must be the reason."
"County Magistrate Li Feng must have been bribed beforehand to loudly proclaim Yan Zhong’s theft of the copper and his desertion. Once Yan Zhong’s guilt was confirmed, Li Feng was no longer useful, so he died in prison, along with his wife and children."
Lou Ben let out a mocking laugh. "Died in prison? Then Zisheng should go after the one who occupied Copper Bull County City at the time. Who was that? Let me think..."Ling Buyi didn’t wait for him to put on airs and went straight to the point: “It was General Ma Rong. Since taking the county town, he has been managing all affairs within it. But a few days ago, he also died.”
A glint of triumph and cruelty flashed in Lou Ben’s eyes: “What a pity. Zisheng’s conjecture remains just that—a conjecture… However, to trust others so easily, entrusting his family and two thousand catties of refined copper, only to end up dead and disgraced—Magistrate Yan cannot escape the charge of negligence and oversight.”
“Because Magistrate Yan couldn’t think of a reason why his noble friend would betray him,” Ling Buyi countered without yielding an inch.
“I’ve pondered this for a long time and couldn’t understand it. Yan Zhong was no naive youth; after years of navigating officialdom, how could he be so gullible? It wasn’t until I thought of you, Ziwei, that everything suddenly became clear.”
Lou Ben said coldly, “Zisheng, choose your words carefully.”
“Fine, then let me rephrase—because Magistrate Yan couldn’t imagine his noble friend having any reason to betray him or the court.”
Ling Buyi continued, “Magistrate Yan’s noble friend must have been like you, Ziwei—not only renowned for his good reputation and backed by influential connections in the jianghu, but also with fathers and brothers serving in the court, deeply trusted by Your Majesty. Peng Zhen was clearly just a temporary clown. Under such circumstances, why would his noble friend side with Peng Zhen? It would be like abandoning jewels for weeds! Thus, Magistrate Yan naturally trusted his noble friend without question. I imagine that even as his entire family was slaughtered before Wangfeng Pavilion, he still hadn’t figured it out.”
“And then there’s General Ma Rong. I’ve met him a few times and know a little about his character. Since taking over Copper Bull County, he committed no offenses—completely unlike his usual reputation for cruelty and greed. Now it seems he was simply waiting for the court to offer him amnesty.”
Lou Ben’s face turned pale, then flushed. After a moment, he forced a smile and asked, “These are all Zisheng’s conjectures. Do you have any proof?”
Ling Buyi replied, “No proof. It is indeed all my speculation.”
“And you intend to convict me based on these speculations?”
“Not convict—just here to hear your thoughts, Ziwei.”
Lou Ben let out a cold laugh. “My thoughts are that Zisheng should stop his wild imaginings and hurry back to Cui Hou’s camp to claim his rewards.”
Ling Buyi frowned slightly and turned his head. “Stop pacing around. Why haven’t you said a word today?” This was directed at the girl pacing by the window.
Shao Shang stopped in her tracks, her expression blank. “If you want me to speak, fine—” She turned slightly to face Lou Ben.
“Second Young Master Lou, did you deceive Magistrate Yan into leaving the city with the copper, then slaughter his entire family, frame him for treason, and collude with that so-called General Ma to coordinate from within? In the end, General Ma gets to defect from Rebel Peng’s camp and switch sides, while you gain a great merit to climb the ranks… Do you admit it or not? Though we have no direct evidence, you’d better confess!”
—This was why Shao Shang hadn’t wanted to get involved today. Without evidence, it only sours relations, and harsh words are inevitable. To be honest, she wasn’t as certain as Ling Buyi. Though she shared the same suspicions, what if—just what if—they were wrong? Wouldn’t Lou Ben be wrongfully accused?!
After hearing Shao Shang’s words, Lou Ben threw his head back and laughed heartily, while Ling Buyi’s expression darkened.Lou Ben finally stopped laughing and said, "Very well. Since Zisheng has spun such an elaborate tale, let me also venture a guess." He stood up, paced a few steps, then stood straight with his sleeves folded, pondering for a moment before speaking.
"At that time, Copper Bull County was like a small boat in a vast ocean, clearly impossible to defend. Yan Zhong couldn't bear to see his elderly mother and young child suffer, so he secretly conspired with Ma Rong, intending to exchange two thousand catties of refined copper for their safe passage. He would then return to defend the city, sacrificing himself for his country. But Ma Rong was vicious and cruel—he slaughtered Yan's entire family, tricked open the city gates, and used this as a stepping stone for his own rise to power... Doesn't this also make sense?"
"Ma Rong is already dead. He was always a bloodthirsty, narrow-minded man, and his death is no loss. This explanation preserves Magistrate Yan's reputation for loyalty and avoids implicating too many others. What do you think, Zisheng?"
Shao Shang knew Lou Ben was offering Ling Buyi a way to back down.
But Ling Buyi remained silent.
A fierce glint flashed in Lou Ben's eyes as he spat angrily, "Ling Buyi, though you are His Majesty's favored general, I am no nobody either! The Lou Family is not something you can trample at will! If you expect me to confess based on mere conjecture, that is absolutely impossible!" With that, he flung his sleeves, forcefully pushed open the private room's door, and strode out.
Only Shao Shang and Ling Buyi remained in the room. She wriggled over to sit beside him. "See what I told you? Don't act impulsively—plan carefully before moving..."
"When did you ever say that?" Ling Buyi snapped. "Weren't you the one obsessed with uncovering the mastermind behind all this? But the moment you found out the Lou Family was involved, you immediately retreated into your tortoise shell!"
Seeing the murderous glint in her fiancé's eyes and his long, clenched fingers—strong enough to crush her in an instant—Shao Shang forced a dry laugh. "I'm just thinking long-term. Dealing with Lou Ben is one thing, but what about Lou Taipu? As the saying goes, good fortune may not benefit the whole family, but misfortune spares no one."
"His Highness the Crown Prince was tutored by Lou Taipu in his youth and has always been close to him. If something happens to the Lou Family, what will become of the Crown Prince? That's what I'm worried about! We should deliberate carefully..." She wore an expression of deep concern for the nation and its people.
"Deliberate carefully? You just want to pull Lou Yao out of this mess first," Ling Buyi retorted bluntly. "By your logic, if any family is close to the Crown Prince, their members can commit crimes without consequence? Hah! Lady Cheng, I never knew you had the makings of a sycophant! My apologies for underestimating you!"
Stung by his sarcasm, Shao Shang flushed angrily. "Then what's your brilliant plan? Yan Zhong's entire family is dead, Li Feng and Ma Rong are dead—there are no witnesses left, and no physical evidence has been found. Are you really going to resort to 'bullying with power'—'Because my official rank is higher than yours, because His Majesty trusts me more, whatever I say goes!'" She deepened her voice, mimicking Ling Buyi.
"No need for bullying!" Ling Buyi straightened, his smile proud. "When I set my sights on evidence, I never fail to obtain it!" His gaze fell on the wine cup Lou Ben had used on the table. In a burst of fury, he kicked the table over."The entire Yan family, women and children alike, were nothing more than livestock in his eyes. For the sake of his career advancement, he wouldn't hesitate to kill, burn, and trample on human lives! How can such a man be allowed to serve in court? To think that two years ago, I actually recommended Lou Ben to the Crown Prince. Thank heavens His Highness didn't heed my advice. This arrogant, ruthless beast who relies on his talent to commit atrocities—I will definitely bring him to justice!"
Author's Note:
I'm back alive. This time it really took a toll on me. I swear I'll never stay up late again!
The original plan was to complete this novel's serialization within a year, so don't worry about me dragging it out. I want to finish it as soon as possible too.
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