The moonlight shone on the treetops. Large red lanterns were hung high at the entrance of the Prime Minister Manor. When Ning Yi and Cheng Zhouhai walked out, the carriage drove past on the street.
"Brother Ning, you've been trying to find out news about Gao Muen recently, right?"
Honestly speaking, when Cheng Zhouhai said this, Ning Yi was really shocked. But after a moment, he calmed down.
"Why do you say that, Brother Cheng?"
"I saw it on the fourth day of the New Year when I came out."
"… Oh."
After figuring out the reason, Ning Yi nodded. Cheng Zhouhai smiled and said, "Brother Ning, you haven't told teacher about that matter yet. This means that you haven't completely given up. Maybe you're planning to wait until the day after tomorrow before you leave … The Grand Military Officer's Manor has been operating in Bianliang for several years. Honestly speaking, it's not very difficult to kill Gao Muen. You just have to deal with Lu Qian. But if you want to avoid suspicion, you probably won't be able to do it without going through the Office of Secret Investigations."
He smiled and said, "Regarding this, I can lend you a hand."
Ning Yi frowned. "What is Brother Cheng planning?"
"I don't like that Huahua Taisui."
"Brother Cheng, are you joking?"
"Heh, it sounds like a joke, but … this is the truth."
As the two of them walked, Cheng Zhouhai's expression turned solemn as he talked about this matter. However, Ning Yi was a little puzzled. Honestly speaking, although they had been in contact with each other for the past few days, they couldn't be considered good friends or confidants. They were just giving each other some respect on account of the possibility of working together in the future. After saying this, Ning Yi didn't believe him. Cheng Zhouhai also took a long time before he continued.
"Huahua Taisui is a person who acts unscrupulously against women in the capital. During the days I spent in the Office of Secret Investigations, I've seen many things related to him. "Honestly speaking, although the things he does cause the wrath of the heavens and the people … at this level, the harm is actually not that great. I have to admit this. If some things are a little deeper, I can say that he is the son of the Grand Commandant. Such a brazen act is a crime worthy of death. But that's not the truth … I came out to do things to save the world and help the people, not to see these people run amok. Although I can endure it most of the time, if possible, I don't mind finding an excuse to kill them. This can make me feel better and my thoughts clear, so that I won't end up hating what I'm doing in the long run. The reason is very simple, it just depends on whether you believe it or not … "
Cheng Zhouhai raised his chin and his face was cold as he talked about the affairs of the High Yamen. It seemed that this feeling of "wanting to do something" was not formed in a day or two. Ning Yi had heard from Yao Zunian and Qin Siyuan that Cheng Zhouhai was a little irritable. He didn't expect that it could be understood literally, so he didn't care whether it was true or not.
"What does Brother Cheng's words have to do with me?"
Cheng Zhouhai smiled. "A few days ago … No, actually, since a year ago, I've been doing some things. Gao Muen has harmed many women. Most of his family members were angry, but they didn't dare to speak out. If they really wanted to stand up for him, they would be erased by the Grand Commandant's Mansion. However, there were some people who spoke out, but they slipped through the net. The Grand Commandant's Mansion has always been aware of this. "There's a squire with the surname Tian outside the city. He has a violent temper and has committed many evil deeds. He bullies the villagers, but his daughter was raped and killed by Gao Muen. In a moment of anger, he once said that he would pay someone to enforce justice on behalf of the heavens. For the sake of this reward, a chivalrous hero went to look for him a few days ago …"
Ning Yi looked at Cheng Zhouhai, who spoke with confidence and composure.
"There are a few guards by Gao Muen's side. They are actually quite loyal, but they have done a lot of things that involve taking people's money. One of them helped someone else to harm Gao Muen. Tonight, when he was fleeing for his life, he was killed by that hero …"
"Tonight?"
"Tonight." Cheng Zhouhai smiled. "There's more than one similar thread. After what happened to Gao Muen tonight …"
"What exactly is Brother Cheng planning to do?"
Ning Yi interrupted him and spat out these words through gritted teeth. He didn't have much of an opinion against Cheng Zhouhai. Given the strength of the Office of Secret Investigations, it wouldn't be a problem for them to plot against Gao Muen. He just didn't like the feeling of things being so urgent. Sensing his displeasure, Cheng Zhouhai smiled and explained the matter.
"Actually, there was another person who saw what happened to Gao Muen at the same time as me …"
Ning Yi's gaze suddenly turned to him. "Zhou Pei?"
Cheng Zhouhai's eyes widened in shock. After that, he cupped his hands. "Brother is indeed smart. Because of this, Zhou Pei agreed to use her as bait to get rid of Gao Muen. "We'll have spies swap the women that Gao Muen ordered people to capture and place the Princess in Gao Muen's room. When Gao Muen and the Princess have a conflict, we'll rush in immediately. Although I've been planning this for a long time, only the identity of the royal family can completely suppress Gao Qiu! "
Ning Yi suppressed his anger. "Haven't you ever thought that a 15-year-old girl can't kill anyone at all and might even get injured?!"
"We have people looking after her, so the Princess's life won't be in danger. As for killing someone, of course she can't. This is something that can be confirmed from the very beginning. Oh, the carriage is here. Brother Ning, get in the carriage. Let's talk on the way. "
A carriage stopped beside them. After the two of them got in, Cheng Zhouhai said, "We've set up a lot of clues. Gao Qiu might suspect you at first because of the relationship between you and the Princess. But later on, he'll confirm that it wasn't you who did it. Then, he'll privately ask the Prime Minister's Manor for an explanation. We'll give him some benefits and both sides will take a step back.
"Why did you let him think so much?"
"Because Gao Qiu himself is a person who thinks too much." Cheng Zhouhai said, "If it wasn't for the royal family, Gao Qiu might calmly investigate it. But this matter is related to the Princess. Under the pressure of the royal family, Gao Muen will only feel that he has caused trouble for himself. Then, he'll suspect that there's a conspiracy. Gao Muen has a bad record, but for the sake of personal revenge, no one who has the ability to kill him wants to kill him at all. It's just like how Brother Ning didn't believe me because he wanted to discourage him. Brother, if the Grand Commandant's Manor wants to investigate what you've done along the way, they'll definitely find out. You just had a conflict with Gao Muen, so why would you kill him at the first moment? It's so unwise! That's why I invited you to go with me tonight. Brother, you appeared at the scene at the first moment. Such a coincidence just proves that someone else framed you. "
Cheng Zhouhai smiled. "Gao Qiu got the position of Grand Commandant on purpose. He's a favored subject, not a powerful one. Although the civil and military officials are afraid of him being rude and unreasonable, they don't like him. Because of this, he's trembling with fear. I've studied how he handles this matter for a long time. When the clues point to other officials in the imperial court, he'll definitely believe it. Conversely, he'll also take the opportunity to ask for benefits from the Prime Minister's Manor. And after that, the things that are truly prepared will happen. "
"Gao Muen did this. No matter what the truth is, Gao Qiu will definitely be reprimanded by the Emperor. At the same time, a few families whose families were harmed by Gao Muen will take the opportunity to file a joint complaint. At this time, the Grand Commandant's Manor can forget about suppressing this matter. The matter is closely linked, and the possibility of Liheng acting behind the scenes will be completely cleared. Because you've just arrived in the capital, even if you really wanted to kill Gao Muen, it's impossible for you to do it to this extent. When things get out of hand, we, who are in charge of many current affairs, can help the Grand Commandant's Manor a little … At that time, he'll be indebted to us. "
In the carriage, Cheng Zhouhai closed his eyes slightly. "For a long time, Grand Commandant Gao has been a chess piece that the Emperor has placed between the civil and military officials. On one hand, he can balance and cushion Tong Shumi's strength. On the other hand, Gao Qiu's capabilities aren't sufficient, so the Emperor won't appear to value the military over the civil officials. "Grand Commandant Gao has always understood this point. Even if he does his best, he might not be able to accomplish anything. But if he wants to cause trouble, he'll definitely have his ways. It's very difficult for us to express goodwill to him. "But this time, it's different. He can offend anyone. If he offends the imperial family a few times, the Emperor can casually remove him from his position and arrange for someone else to take up his position. He's afraid of this, so he'll definitely accept the favor and settle the matter."
"I've already calculated this matter many times and made ample preparations. Brother, there's no need to worry that something will go wrong." After a moment, Cheng Zhouhai opened his eyes and smiled at Ning Yi. After that, his gaze gradually turned cold. "After the favor is done, Grand Commandant Gao will shift his gaze to someone else. At that time, I'll be able to get rid of Gao Muen and won't be suspected."
Ning Yi sat there, his gaze also icy. He could already understand Cheng Zhouhai's entire plan. He knew that there wasn't a single person around Qin Siyuan who was easy to deal with. However, he also felt a little rueful about this matter.
"… You're very creative … Learn cooking from me."
"Mn?"
"Nothing much … When are you going to tell Qin Xiang about this?"
"After the incident, before Grand Commandant Gao comes to the Prime Minister's Manor, he'll naturally tell Teacher everything."
"Oh … you've already made your first mistake …"
"Er … Brother Ning, why do you say that?"
"… I'm just joking."
When you came to the Prime Minister's Manor, you didn't speak to Qin Siyuan, so I knew you were here to look for me. When Qin Siyuan left, he wasn't the least bit curious about the reason you came. This means that he knew the purpose of your visit. At that time, you were too excited to find me and didn't realize this. Just wait to be scolded by the old man, you bastard …
As Ning Yi thought to himself, his gaze shifted to the outside of the carriage.
For a righteous reason, he would squeeze out all the remaining value that could be squeezed out, then turn around to make his own thoughts clear. Ning Yi didn't sigh at such a plan. If he really wanted to work in the Office of Secret Investigations, at the very least, he had to have the ability to carry out such a plan. It was just that this kind of unscrupulous style that harbored the thoughts of a nationalistic youth vaguely made him see a figure from the past, just like back then …
… Tang Mingyuan.
*****
That night, when Gao Muen screamed excitedly and rushed into the room in the courtyard, he encountered a strange problem that he had encountered for the first time.
"Hahahahaha … Little Mimi, don't hide inside, let Little Enen release you … Er, damn it, where's the rope … What kind of bag is this, you bastard! How can I untie it without a rope? Little Mimi, don't be afraid, I'll immediately … Ah? Why did you untie it … "
Then he sighed from the bottom of his heart, "Mi … Nu … Lu Qian, you're so good to me. You gave me an even more …"
In an instant, blood splattered, and deafening screams rang out, both men's and women's …
"Save me! It's so painful … Lu Qian … "
"Ahhhhh … Who are you …"
"Ahhhh … My finger …"
"How dare you treat me like this … Lord Father! Lord Father! Save me … "
When Lu Qian was alarmed in the outer courtyard, the door to the courtyard was kicked open with a loud bang. A guard on the other side of the courtyard rushed over, but his saber was snatched away, and he flew out with blood spurting out.
"Who is it?!"
"Protect the yamen!"
While shouting, Lu Qian's figure flew out, and the saber light of the treasure saber turned into a waterfall, sweeping up. He chopped away a fishing net and two crossbow bolts. When the bag of lime flew over, he hit it with his saber, and it flew a few meters away before exploding. There was a flash of fire in front of him, and there was a loud bang. A guard beside him was bleeding profusely.
"Lu Qian …"
"Yes! You! "
"Do you know who you've caught!"
"Hmm?"
As the words intertwined, Lu Qian recognized the people who rushed in, but he also instantly realized the situation inside, and his figure flew back. "Protect the yamen! Don't let them in! "
"How dare you touch the princess, aren't you afraid of being exterminated?"
The guards in the outer courtyard were caught off guard by the sudden rush of people, but Lu Qian had already guarded the door. When the scholar called Ning Yi rushed over, they exchanged a few sabers. Lu Qian was on guard, and he suddenly flew back with his saber, dodging a tricky slash trap. At the same time, he slapped the other's shoulder. He hadn't expected the other's moves to be so strange, but he also knew the gap between them. He rushed forward again, and suddenly, a strong wind attacked from the side.
The spear's momentum was like a dragon, dancing wildly. Lu Qian raised his saber to meet it, and the next moment, he almost subconsciously shouted, "Lin Chong!"
In the blink of an eye, there was an explosion of fire, and the two people fighting had already rushed into the inner courtyard. Lu Qian fought head-on, but he was continuously beaten back, and then he was forced back by a sweep of the spear. He pulled up the saber in his hand into a defensive position, and his hand felt slightly numb. Only then did he confirm that the figure in front of him was not Lin Chong. This person was even more burly than Lin Chong, and his spear techniques were vaguely similar to Lin Chong's, but the spear's momentum was heavier, steadier, and more ruthless. He could fight Lin Chong to a draw, but against this person, he was still inferior.
From the room came the screams of the yamen and the cries of the girl. On the other side, Ning Yi had already rushed to the door, and a guard who tried to stop him collided with him. Blood spurted out of his chest, and that was an explosive inner force. Lu Qian turned and rushed to the window, and Ning Yi smashed open the door. The room was covered in blood, both from the high yamen and the crying girl. However, the girl held a dagger in her hand, and the blood came from the high yamen.
Two of the high yamen's fingers were chopped off, and his chest and back were slashed a few times. He ran wildly, crying and shouting as he tried to use the things beside him to smash the girl away. The girl waved the dagger and cried as she chased after him. This continued until Lu Qian rushed in, hugged Gao Muen, and rushed to the side. Ning Yi, who was also half covered in blood, grabbed the clothes on Zhou Pei's back and pulled her into his embrace!
"Teacher … Teacher …" Zhou Pei cried loudly.
"My fingers … my fingers …" Gao Muen also cried loudly. Lu Qian protected him and walked out. "I will remember what you guys have done …"
"Damn it, just wait for death! Trash! " Ning Yi gripped the military saber in his hand tightly. His veins popped up, and his eyes were bloodshot. He wanted to slash the master and servant duo on the spot.
Someone outside shouted, "The people from Prince Chong Manor are here, the people from Prince Chong Manor are here!"
The voices of the people were noisy, and the flames were bright. The night was bright, and it seemed like a fire was about to start …
*****
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