Xie Zhifei concealed things from his father and elder brother for two reasons beyond his own unspeakable secrets. Most importantly—

This matter was extremely dangerous. He absolutely couldn’t drag the Xie family into it.

“Mingting definitely won’t breathe a word outside. Father, Brother, you should also act as if you never heard me mention it.”

Xie Daozhi: “Go. The old lady and your mother have been waiting for you a long time.”

“I’ll return to my room to wash up and change clothes first. Otherwise…”

Xie Zhifei winked at Xie Daozhi. “They can’t hold back like you, Father. It’ll definitely be waterworks.”

“Get lost—”

Xie Daozhi was embarrassed at being seen through by his son.

Xie Zhifei left, but hadn’t gone more than a few steps when Xie Erli, who had followed him out, called him back.

“Brother, is there something else?”

Xie Erli looked around to ensure no one was present. “Xu Sheng’s broken leg—it wasn’t you who did it, was it?”

“Oh my!”

Xie Zhifei first showed surprise, then delight. “Which hero avenged Third Master?”

“It really wasn’t you?”

“Brother, look at how haggard my face has become. Where would I find the free time?”

“As long as it wasn’t you.”

Xie Erli said indifferently: “Du Yiyun has come to our manor no less than ten times. Now that you’re back today, she’ll definitely come tomorrow. You need to have a plan.”

“What plan?”

Xie Zhifei waved his hand impatiently.

“I have no plan for her. Have Sister-in-law whisper in her ear in a few days and tell her to hurry and find a good family to marry into. Don’t waste time on this short-lived ghost.”

“Third!”

What Xie Erli couldn’t bear to hear most were those three words “short-lived ghost.”

“Brother, I was wrong.”

Xie Zhifei admitted his mistake faster than a rabbit could run.

“If Brother could support me with another thousand taels like Father, I promise to live longer than anyone.”

“Scoundrel!”

Xie Erli left with a flourish of his sleeves.

When he reached the study door, he glanced at his trusted aide, who quickly came forward. “Elder Master?”

“Go tell First Mistress to find an opportunity to send Third a thousand taels of silver.”

“Master, this is…”

“To let that rascal live a bit longer!”

Xie Erli gritted his teeth.

…

The rascal was now lazily soaking in a wooden tub, letting Ding Yi wet his hair.

Ding Yi’s technique was practiced—clearly he’d done this many times.

The three masters of the Xie manor—the first two had rooms full of maids large and small. When they turned sixteen, the old lady would personally select two concubines for them.

When it came to Third Master, not only was his courtyard full of bald monks, but even his personal attendants were only him and Zhu Qing.

Why?

Because Third Master’s health wasn’t good, the old lady and master worried that if Third Master indulged in women too early, his vital essence would be drained and his life would be even shorter.

Ding Yi looked at his master’s broad, solid back and thought to himself that Master’s health had been stable for years now—he could get close to women. That might even smooth out his temperament.

“Ding Yi?”

“Master.”

“What do you think—when dealing with someone like Yan Sanhe, is it better to be gentle or forceful?”

Boom!

An image instantly flashed through Ding Yi’s mind—

His master pressing Miss Yan beneath him, Miss Yan struggling desperately, then slapping Master across the face.

“Master!”

As a loyal servant, Ding Yi decided he absolutely had to advise him today.

“Master, Mistress, the old lady, and Madam are all reasonable people. We don’t need to risk getting beaten to ruin a young lady’s virtue.”

Ding Yi: “If you can’t find anyone suitable in the manor, there are always a few pleasing ones at Lichun Courtyard.”

Xie Zhifei’s eyes snapped open. “What are you saying?”

“Master!”

Ding Yi dropped to his knees with a thud. “Miss Yan has Miss Li beside her, and her soft sword is no joke. If you’re not careful, she might cut off your… root entirely.”

Xie Zhifei: “…”

He glanced down at his crotch and laughed coldly twice. “Zhu Qing?”

Zhu Qing hurried in. “Master?”

“Take this shit-stirring stick Ding and drag him out. Chop him up.”

Zhu Qing glared at Ding Yi: What did you do to upset Master this time?

Ding Yi looked aggrieved: I didn’t do anything!

Zhu Qing: And you still say you didn’t? Why don’t you get lost!

As Ding Yi rolled away, he sighed inwardly: Alas, these days, being a loyal servant is so hard!

Zhu Qing crouched by the tub. “Is Master worried about how to investigate the Zheng family case?”

Finally, someone who understands his master’s thoughts.

“The Zheng family case is one thing. Yan Sanhe is another. Tell me—should I threaten her with the fact she’s not Yan Xing’s granddaughter?”

“Absolutely not! Master has forgotten what the old lady said. Miss Yan responds to softness but not hardness. If you try force, Master can’t overpower her.”

I know this perfectly well!

“But I see she doesn’t seem to respond to softness either!”

“Does Master really want to investigate the Zheng family case?”

“A man’s word is worth a thousand gold pieces.”

Third Master Xie’s voice grew heavy. “I promised them.”

For the nine years since his soul returned, for nine years he’d lived alone, he had never given up searching for Wu Guanyue and his father.

That’s why he knew the history of the Great Qi Kingdom inside and out, why he knew the Zheng family case inside and out.

He had sworn to heaven—alive, he wanted to see them; dead, he wanted to see their corpses. And he would bring those corpses before the Zheng family’s ancestral graves, grind their bones to dust to comfort their spirits in heaven.

Now the culprit was someone else…

Xie Zhifei’s heart pounded forcefully against his chest, again and again.

Even if it cost everything he had, even if it took his entire life, even if he had to search heaven and earth, he must find the true culprit!

He needed answers before he could face them in the afterlife!

…

Jingsi Residence.

“Third Master has arrived!”

Tang Yuan went out to greet him. “Miss is changing clothes in the inner room. Third Master, please wait a moment.”

Xie Zhifei lifted his robe and sat down, crossing his legs.

“Miss has worked hard on this long journey. You must attend to her carefully.”

“Third Master, rest assured. This servant understands.”

“If Miss wants anything to eat or play with, and First Mistress can’t provide it, just come find me.”

“Yes!”

“Don’t just say yes. Remember it. Engrave it in your mind.”

“Yes!”

As they were talking, the beaded curtain lifted and Yan Sanhe emerged from inside.

Their eyes met, and both were somewhat stunned.

Both had washed away the dust of travel, both had changed into fresh clothes.

One had lips that habitually curved upward—effortlessly charming without words. The other’s face habitually maintained a cool composure, yet couldn’t hide the delicate refinement hidden between her brows.

Third Master Xie sighed inwardly: A beauty beyond compare.

Yan Sanhe cursed inwardly: Human in form, dog in nature.

Third Master stood up, his smile carrying a hint of mischief. “Yan Sanhe, let’s go!”

Yan Sanhe took a deep breath. “You lead the way.”

Third Master looked at her sideways. “Are you the type of woman who’s used to walking behind men?”

No!

Yan Sanhe ground her molars and forced out a word: “Go!”

They went, but their walking styles were completely different.

One walked with hands behind his back, strolling leisurely, the picture of elegant charm. The other walked with hands behind her back, marching stiffly, her body rigid as a board.

Li Buyan followed behind the two, her gaze shifting between them… When it came to playing a part, Sanhe was far from matching that old fox Third Master!

She’s nervous!

Li Buyan had a flash of inspiration.

“Third Master, may I ask a question? You don’t mind, do you?”

“Ask!”

“Are you and Second Master on bad terms?”

“You really dare to ask!”

“So… does Third Master dare to answer?”

Third Master looked down at Yan Sanhe. “With your young miss’s cleverness, after listening to a few sentences at the dinner table, she’ll understand everything.”

Li Buyan smiled. “Third Master, if you want me to shut up, just say so directly. Don’t use my young miss as a shield!”

Third Master Xie: “Shut up!”

Li Buyan smiled again. “Mm!”

Third Master Xie took a deep breath, then took another deep breath.

This Li woman was also a shit-stirring stick!