The person who set the fire did not expect that there would be someone in the quiet library today. He was caught off guard and wanted to run, but Xiao Jue had already blocked his way. He was no match for her in martial arts. After exchanging one move, Xiao Jue dislocated his arm.
He Yan had already grabbed a long blanket to put out the fire when Xiao Jue was exchanging blows with the person. Fortunately, the fire was not big. The person probably thought that the library was easy to set on fire, so he did not use ointment. Otherwise, the two of them might not have been able to put out the fire.
The fire was put out in time, so only half of the books were burned. He Yan shook his head at Xiao Jue. "Fortunately, nothing serious happened."
The two of them looked at the person on the ground. He was young and wore a cotton shirt. At first glance, he looked like a student from the Xianchang School. His arms and legs were dislocated by Xiao Jue, so he could not move for the time being. He Yan noticed that there were traces of martial arts training between his thumb and index finger. He could not help but frown. "He doesn't look like a student from the Xianchang School. He must have snuck in."
Ordinary students, even if there were martial arts courses in the school, would not have such thick calluses. It was obvious that they were caused by years of martial arts training. Xiao Jue looked down at him and asked coldly, "Who sent you?"
The person only stared at Xiao Jue and did not speak.
"Wait a minute." He Yan seemed to have sensed something. He stepped forward and grabbed the person's chin. Xiao Jue could not stop him. He Yan said, "He can't speak. He's a mute."
The person was forced to open his mouth. His mouth was empty except for half of his tongue.
"It's very dangerous." Xiao Jue pulled her up and pulled her behind. "Don't get too close."
"The other party found a mute and deliberately snuck into the Xianchang School just to set the library on fire." He Yan's attention was not on himself. He looked at Xiao Jue. "It seems that someone has the same idea as us."
Although there were rare and unique books in the Hidden Book Pavilion, it was not enough to make people take the risk. What's more, the other party didn't send people to steal, but to set fire. Coincidentally, the one that was set on fire was the one that "He Rufei" had used. Just like how He Yan and Xiao Jue came to the Xianchang Mansion today to find "He Rufei's" past handwriting in case of an emergency, the real Young Master He also looked guilty and short of breath, which was why he couldn't wait to get someone to destroy the corpse.
Xiao Jue asked, "What are your plans?"
He Yan lowered his head and thought for a while. When he raised his head again, his expression had become relaxed. "Since someone covets General He's notes, why don't we keep them for them first? As for this person … let's inform Mister Huang first and see what he has to say. "
When Huang Sancai received the news and came over, he couldn't believe his eyes. He had only let Xiao Jue and He Yan into the Hidden Book Pavilion for less than a stick of incense's time. How could someone suddenly set fire to it?
"Mister Huang," Xiao Jue gestured to the person on the ground. "Is this person a student of the school?"
Mister Huang carefully looked at the face of the person who set the fire and shook his head. "No, no, I've never seen this person before."
"Then that's it," Xiao Jue nodded. "This person snuck into the school and just failed to set fire to it. I saw it."
Mister Huang hurriedly went to check the bookshelf that had just caught fire. The scattered test papers on the ground, the half-burnt book, and the smell of burnt wood in the pavilion all proved that Xiao Jue was not lying. Just now, someone did set fire to it.
"Why … why?" Huang Sancai was at a loss. "What enmity does this person have with our Xian Chang School? Why did he set fire to the Hidden Book Pavilion?"
Fortunately, it was the Hidden Book Pavilion and not the school. But just now, if Xiao Jue and He Yan were not here, very few people would enter the Hidden Book Pavilion. By the time the fire was discovered, it would be too late. Thinking of this, Huang Sancai's heart was filled with a layer of fear.
"This person is mute," He Yan laughed. "He can't speak."
Xiao Jue's voice was cold. "I'm afraid it has something to do with the Uto."
"Uto?" Huang Sancai was shocked. "Why would the Uto appear in Shuo Jing?"
Xiao Jue calmly said, "This matter is confidential. I hope Mister Huang can keep it a secret for me. Since it is the Uto's conspiracy, it is better to beat them at their own game. Mister Huang, please announce to the public that the Hidden Book Pavilion caught fire and destroyed a shelf of books. Fortunately, the fire was put out in time and did not lead to a disaster. But … General Feihong's notes were all destroyed. "
"This …" Huang Sancai was still very puzzled.
"This is related to the country," Xiao Jue's eyes were as sharp as lightning. "I hope Mister Huang can consider the overall situation."
Huang Sancai trembled. "Of, of course. But General He's notes … "
"He and I are classmates. It is just some ordinary pen and ink. I will bring it back to Xiao family for safekeeping. In the future, when the real culprit behind the scenes is revealed, I will return it to you."
Huang Sancai sensed something. He looked at the young man in front of him. The young man who was always lazy and indifferent had now shed his youthfulness. He was like an unsheathed sword, completely different from the past.
He respectfully lowered his head and whispered. "It is all up to Military Governor Xiao. As for this person …"
"I will take care of it. Mister Huang only needs to announce to the public that someone was burned to death in the fire."
Huang Sancai nodded in agreement.
After Huang Sancai finished his task, Chi Wu came in and took away the mute who had set the fire. He also took away a whole sack of "He Rufei's" notes.
He Yan and Xiao Jue walked out. As they walked, he said, "Xiao Jue, what happened just now … is it okay?"
In the end, Huang Sancai was not a member of the Xiao Family. He did not know how much he could keep secret for them. He Rufei was not a fool either. The people they sent out did not return. Even if Huang Sancai spread the news that the library was on fire, He Rufei might not believe it.
"It's okay. Leave it to me," Xiao Jue replied.
He Yan thought for a moment. "I think that Xu Zhiheng is probably still looking for Mother Qin's whereabouts. We must ensure their safety."
Xiao Jue smiled carelessly. "Don't worry. The Xu family's hands cannot reach into the Xiao family."
He Yan was slightly relieved. However, today's relaxed visit to the Xianchang Pavilion to reminisce about old friends was disrupted by this sudden incident. He could not help but feel a bit heavy. As he walked to the door with Xiao Jue, he suddenly heard someone call out to her, "Miss He."
He Yan looked up and saw a man wearing an indigo robe standing not far away. He was as gentle as an orchid. It was Chu Zhao.
He also saw Xiao Jue standing next to He Yan. His eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile returned to normal. He walked forward and greeted, "Military Governor Xiao, Miss He."
"Fourth Young Master Chu, why are you here?" He Yan asked with a smile. Ever since that day at the palace banquet where Emperor Wen Xuan bestowed the marriage, she had not seen Chu Zhao. She only knew that the Xu family and the Chu family were preparing for his marriage with Xu Pingting. Compared to He Yan's family background, Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting's marriage, on the surface, seemed to be more well-matched.
Although … He Yan did not think that Chu Zhao liked Xu Pingting, his fiancée, that much.
"I came out to do something," Chu Zhao replied gently.
He Yan noticed that the servant following him today was an unfamiliar servant. Her appearance was average and was not Ying Xiang. He could not help but look at the servant a few more times. The servant was not afraid. She stared back at him with a look of scrutiny. He Yan pondered for a moment and understood. Presumably, Miss Xu Pingting saw that Ying Xiang was too beautiful by Chu Zhao's side. She was not at ease, so she sent another servant to follow him. On the surface, she was serving him, but in reality, she was monitoring him. After all, Chu Zhao had a dissolute father. His own appearance was outstanding, so it was inevitable that she would think more.
However, Chu Zhao was a little pitiful. As a man, he could not even decide whether to keep his servant by his side. Today was just the beginning. Once he got married, that Miss Xu Pingting would only become worse.
The maidservant also looked at He Yan with a bit of vigilance, as if Chu Zhao was a big fat piece of greasy meat, and all the women on the street were like hungry dogs, staring at him very closely. He Yan did not want to get into trouble, nor did he want to be a target for others. He said, "Xiao Jue and I still have something to do. We will leave first."
When Chu Zhao heard the two words "Xiao Jue", he was stunned. His eyes looked at the two of them and then he smiled, "Then, let's meet again another day."
He Yan nodded and pulled Xiao Jue away in a hurry. After the two of them left, Chu Zhao looked at the door of the Xian Chang Pavilion. His eyes flashed with a trace of deep thought.
The servant girl beside him urged, "Fourth Young Master, it's not early. You should go to the silk shop to choose cloth first. Miss said that all matters related to the wedding must be seen by Fourth Young Master."
The young man covered the haze in his eyes and smiled, "Okay."
At the Xu Family's door, the servant Fu Wang was holding a broom and was currently sweeping the floor.
He had been absent-minded for the entire afternoon. In fact, it had not been a day or two. Ever since he told the other party about Mother Qin's whereabouts, the mysterious person who was generous had not appeared again.
Fu Wang felt very disappointed. He originally wanted to make a big profit from this person before leaving. He did not expect that he would disappear. He felt a bit of regret. He should not have told the other party about Mother Qin's whereabouts so early. Perhaps if he had delayed a bit longer, he could have squeezed more out of the other party.
Once he got used to the easy way of getting money, Fu Wang felt particularly unsatisfied when he looked back at the meager monthly allowance.
He swept the floor. Suddenly, a copper coin rolled in front of him. Fu Wang subconsciously followed it. He wanted to pick it up, but after taking a few steps, the copper coin was suddenly stepped on by a boot. He was startled. He raised his head and saw a tall man wearing a bamboo hat standing in front of him. The man said in a low voice, "Are you Fu Wang?"
Fu Wang was startled and stammered, "Yes, yes."
"Teahouse at the corner of the street. See you at the old place." After saying this, the other party lifted his foot and turned to leave.
Fu Wang stared blankly at the dirty copper coin. He bent over and picked it up. He wiped the stain on it and put it in his sleeve. His heart was beating fast. When his companion who went to the toilet returned, Fu Wang used his diarrhea as an excuse to slip away. He went to the teahouse where he used to meet with the mysterious person.
It was still the innermost teahouse. The man from before had already taken a seat. Fu Wang walked in with suspicion in his heart. Although this person's clothes were very similar to the previous person, they were not the same person. Compared to the previous mysterious person, this person in front of him was obviously much taller.
"Young Master is …"
"The person who asked you to find Mother Qin last time can't come now. The person who will make the deal with you in the future is me." Fei Nu said in a hoarse voice.
Xiao Jue asked him to come to the Xu family in order to make a deal with this servant called Fu Wang. At the same time, He Yan would be safely removed from this matter to avoid leaving any evidence behind.
Fu Wang was startled and carefully asked, "May I ask, the previous Young Master …"
"Dead." The other party's voice was extremely cold. "So, don't ask what you shouldn't ask, and don't look at what you shouldn't look at."
These cold words startled Fu Wang. Although he was greedy for money, he also cherished his life. When he heard that the previous mysterious person had died, he couldn't help but have a myriad of thoughts. After all, even now, he didn't know who that person was or why he was asked to find out Mother Qin's whereabouts.
"Then … Young Master, why are you looking for me?" Fu Wang asked tentatively.
"I want you to search the Xu family for all the old belongings of the deceased Young Mistress Xu, as well as the whereabouts of all the people related to Young Mistress Xu." The man said concisely.
Previously, he was looking for people and things related to Concubine Mother He. Now, he was looking for Young Mistress Xu. Why?
"I …" Before Fu Wang could speak, he saw the man in front of him take out a box from beside him and put it on the table. He opened the box, revealing dozens of silver ingots neatly stacked inside.
Fu Wang's eyes widened. This person was much more generous than the previous Young Mistress. The previous Young Mistress gave the silver ingots one by one. When did she become so generous? For a moment, Fu Wang threw his previous timidity to the back of his mind. His heart and eyes were filled with the silver ingots.
"How is it?" Fei Nu asked.
"Well said, well said." Fu Wang hugged the box in front of him. He was so happy that the corners of his mouth bloomed. "Even if this little one has to climb a mountain of swords or dive into a sea of fire, this little one will still do this for Young Master."
"This matter is not simple." Fei Nu deliberately lowered his voice. "Your family's Young Master is bound to keep an eye on your movements."
"It's fine. There are also places where the fu is lax. It's just that Young Mistress has passed away for a long time. Most of her old belongings were buried with her body. I don't know if there are any left." Fu Wang was probably dazzled by the silver ingots in front of him. He racked his brain for a while before saying, "However, Young Master was deeply in love with Young Mistress. The courtyard where Young Mistress used to live still maintains its original appearance. Perhaps one or two old items can be found. It's just that there are people watching the courtyard, so it's not easy to enter. However, "he smiled fawningly." This little one should be able to think of a way to enter. "
This person was really greedy. Or perhaps, He Yan had already pulled out the greed in his bones. Now that it was out of control, it saved Fei Nu a lot of effort.
Fei Nu looked at Fu Wang, seemingly satisfied. He said, "Very good. These silver ingots are only a deposit. If you can complete the task I've entrusted to you, in the future, our Young Master will definitely not treat you unfairly."
"May I ask," Fu Wang gathered his courage and asked, "Young Master's Young Master is …"
This time, the person opposite him was not as mysterious as the previous mysterious person. He only arrogantly raised his head and said, "The current Emperor personally conferred the title of General Feihong. He Rufei gongzi."
"General He?" Fu Wang asked in surprise. "Why would General He …" He did not finish his words. Thinking of this person's words, "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask." He smiled fawningly and said, "I know. This little one will definitely do a good job for General He. "
After the task was completed, Fu Wang returned to the Xu residence. He did not want to be out for too long and arouse suspicion. Fei Nu sat in the tea room. He drank the tea in front of him in one gulp and also stood up to leave.
In the Crown Prince's residence, there was music and dancing today. The Crown Prince was in an extremely good mood. He half leaned on the soft couch and watched the dancing maids. Xu Jingfu sat beside him.
"Prime Minister, why do you have time to visit me today?" The Guang Yan smiled and said, "Zilan and Pingting's marriage is approaching. The Xu residence should be very busy."
Xu Jingfu smiled and replied, "The affairs of the residence are handled by my wife. Today, I came to see Your Highness about the matter of the Wu Tuo envoy."
The Guang Yan stopped drinking and looked at Xu Jingfu. "Oh? What is Prime Minister's opinion? "
"In less than half a month, the Wu Tuo envoy will arrive in the capital," Xu Jingfu said, "Right now, there are more people in favor of peace than war. It will not be difficult to convince His Majesty. However, I hope that Your Highness will reconsider the matter of opening the market. "
"What does Prime Minister Xu mean?" The Guang Yan asked indifferently. "It was your idea to cooperate with the Uto. Since it was the Uto who suggested opening the market, why did Prime Minister Xu change your mind at the last minute? "
Xu Jingfu was not angered by the Crown Prince's attitude. He only smiled and said, "It's not that I changed my mind. It's just that now that Xiao Huaijin has won the war, the initiative is now in Da Wei's hands. There's no need to feign civility with the Uto. Once the market is opened, it will be difficult to negotiate with the Uto. It's better to raise the price now. Otherwise, won't the Uto have the final say? "
A hint of displeasure appeared on the Crown Prince's face. However, this expression was quickly concealed. "Prime Minister Xu's words are reasonable. However, Prime Minister Xu needs to be clear about one thing. You, this Prince, and the Uto have private dealings. Once this matter spreads, how can there be a future? The Uto has something on us. If we don't give them the right to open the market in Da Wei, will they let this matter rest? If they do something behind this Prince's back … what if they delay this Prince's great undertaking? "
The female performer in the room had unknowingly retreated.
Xu Jingfu was silent for a moment. He then cupped his hands and said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness is wise."
The Guang Yan smiled slightly. At this time, a beautiful woman wearing a wide-sleeved hibiscus fairy dress walked in from outside. She held a small silver pot in her hand. She walked in front of the Crown Prince, knelt down, and offered the wine in the pot.
The Crown Prince drank the wine in front of her in one gulp. Then, he pulled the woman into his arms. The woman raised her head, revealing a beautiful face. Xu Jingfu finally saw clearly that it was Ying Xiang, who was given to the Crown Prince by Chu Zhao a few days ago.
Ying Xiang saw Xu Jingfu and smiled sweetly, "Ying Xiang greets the Prime Minister."
"The servant sent by Zilan is indeed clever and quick-witted." The Guang Yan pinched the beautiful woman's face in satisfaction, "She's quite worthy of this Prince's goodwill. Very good!"
Ying Xiang rebuked, "Your Highness is too kind. This servant doesn't dare."
Xu Jingfu's smile froze slightly.
In the past, this servant by Chu Zhao's side was too beautiful. Xu Pingting had brought this servant to him many times to punish Ying Xiang. However, Xu Jingfu also found out that Ying Xiang was saved by Chu Zhao at the entrance of the brothel. It was probably because Ying Xiang's experience reminded him of his mother, Ye Runmei, that he had a whole new level of respect for Ying Xiang.
Chu Zhao was someone he had his eyes on. Xu Jingfu did not want their teacher-student relationship to be damaged because of a little servant girl. Moreover, Ying Xiang had always been by Chu Zhao's side. This could also be a test. If Chu Zhao was only a man who was greedy for beauty, then he would not be of much use. There was no need for him to stay by Xu Pingting's side.
After so many years, Chu Zhao had obviously accepted the test. He had no romantic feelings for Ying Xiang. As Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting's wedding date approached, Xu Pingting became more and more anxious.
It was not that Xu Jingfu did not know that Xu Pingting had privately gone to find the Crown Prince of Guang Yan. However, he did not have any intention of stopping her. In the future, Chu Zhao would be Xu Pingting's husband and Xu Jingfu's son-in-law. If a little servant girl made his daughter unhappy, he would kill her, not to mention giving her away. Chu Zhao should have a balance in his heart.
Chu Zhao made the right choice.
Xu Jingfu was very satisfied. Such a smart young man who knew how to make a choice was rare in the current Shuo Capital.
In the past, Xu Jingfu's impression of Ying Xiang had always been that although she was beautiful, she was timid and quiet. She was an ordinary servant girl who did not cause trouble. However, now that he saw Ying Xiang smiling sweetly and leaning against the Crown Prince, Xu Jingfu felt a sense of unease.
The Crown Prince's residence never lacked beauties, nor did it lack smart people. The battles in the harem were not as easy as the politics in the imperial court. When Xu Pingting sent Ying Xiang into the Crown Prince's residence, she did not have any intention of letting her live. However, so many days had passed, and Ying Xiang was living well. She had even received the Crown Prince's love. This was not something that could be achieved with just beauty.
The innocent beauty's eyes were clear, as if she did not understand the filthy things of the world. Among all the beauties, she was like a dewdrop in the morning, with a fragile purity. Even the Guang Yan, who did not cherish beauties, looked at her with pity.
Xu Jingfu sat for a while, then got up and left. After he left, the Guang Yan ordered the servants to take away Xu Jingfu's bowl, chopsticks, and cups.
"An old man. He is just a prime minister, but he thinks he is some big shot. He even wants to meddle in my affairs." The Crown Prince's Guang Yan's eyes were filled with viciousness after Xu Jingfu left. "I think his hands are reaching too far!"
Ying Xiang leaned against the Guang Yan, her small hand gently stroking his chest to help him breathe. She comforted him softly: "Your Highness does not need to be too angry. This world will belong to Your Highness in the future. Your Highness will do whatever you say. Why do you need to listen to others?"
These words greatly pleased the Guang Yan. The Guang Yan kissed her on the cheek. "You little girl, you know how to talk. Be careful, Prime Minister Xu might find trouble with you if he hears this. "
"Even if Prime Minister wants to find trouble with this servant, this servant is Your Highness's servant. Your Highness will definitely protect this servant, right?" Ying Xiang said sweetly: "Even if I am Your Highness's servant, it is still better than most people in the world. Also, let me tell Your Highness a secret. "She leaned closer to the Guang Yan, looking very charming.
This servant was not like the other beauties, who either flattered him or were afraid of him. The Guang Yan liked it very much, so he asked: "What secret?"
"This servant also does not like Prime Minister Xu," Ying Xiang said with a bitter face: "Prime Minister Xu has too many rules and always has his own ideas. I am really afraid that one day, Prime Minister Xu will even interfere in Your Highness's affairs. If Your Highness sends this servant away, that would be terrible."
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