Capital, inner city.

Huang Rang and Di Yiqiu had disappeared for a day and a night—mainly because in a moment of carelessness, the boat had drifted far away. Ahem.

When Di Yiqiu steered the small boat back to the capital, Huang Rang was still catching up on sleep.

“You keep sleeping. I’ll go to the western part of the city to look at the residence,” Di Yiqiu said.

Huang Rang was sleeping groggily and didn’t hear what he said, responding vaguely with a sound.

Di Yiqiu gently brushed the scattered strands of hair from her forehead, saying, “The boat has a protective barrier. Don’t leave the boat, understand?”

Huang Rang made a sound of acknowledgment. Seeing her sleeping so deeply, Jianzheng couldn’t bear to disturb her further and left the boat.

When Huang Rang woke up, someone was waiting outside the boat.

She opened the cabin door. After quite a while, she finally believed her eyes: “Sect Master Xie?”

—You really couldn’t wait even a moment longer, could you!

Xie Hongchen waited outside the boat, for who knew how long. Seeing Huang Rang now, he turned slightly to the side, saying, “Miss Arang has finally awakened.”

Ahem. Huang Rang quickly retreated into the cabin and began tidying her hair and clothes.

—She could be disheveled before her husband, but before her ex-husband, she must maintain a radiant appearance, all right!

After a while, she emerged from the cabin again and casually stored away the small boat.

Only then did Xie Hongchen say, “Yuhu Xuanzong has sect rules. Those who privately steal teachings must have their cultivation destroyed. The elders will probably not accept your explanation of learning in dreams.”

With him saying this, Huang Rang understood.

She said, “Ancestor Lingbi sent Sect Master to execute the sect rules. Is that right?”

Xie Hongchen said, “Master does have this intention. But… naturally I also want to investigate the truth.”

“If Sect Master wants to understand the truth, then nothing could be better.” Huang Rang left the small boat, saying, “I happen to have a truth that Sect Master urgently needs to know.”

Xie Hongchen’s eyes flickered. Huang Rang’s words were shocking: “Sect Master Xie’s origins are not as Ancestor Lingbi claims!”

“What?” Xie Hongchen never expected she would say such a thing, and immediately frowned.

Before his next words could emerge, Huang Rang immediately blocked them: “Please hear me out, Sect Master Xie. According to what Ancestor Lingbi said, your ancestral home is Zitong Prefecture. In the harsh winter at the end of the year two hundred thirty-six years ago, you were abandoned outside Yuhu Xuanzong’s mountain gate by your fleeing parents. Is that correct?”

Xie Hongchen’s origins were no secret.

For a genius like him, even the smallest trivial matter would receive endless attention.

Therefore, his birth date, even his parents and hometown, were all thoroughly investigated later.

Xie Hongchen came from Zitong Prefecture, born on the first day of the first lunar month. In May of that same year, Zitong Prefecture suffered flooding, and his parents fled with him. By year’s end, his father died of illness. His mother truly had no way to fill her stomach, and could only abandon him, not yet one year old, outside Yuhu Xuanzong’s mountain gate.

It was the dead of winter then. It happened that Xie Lingbi found him and raised him to this day.

As for his parents, the sect had naturally investigated them too.

That couple—the man was named Xie Jing, the woman Fei Fang.

The two had not survived that famine. After Xie Jing died of illness, Fei Fang had made a living washing and mending for others.

But mortal lifespans were brief. Before Xie Hongchen had distinguished himself, Fei Fang also died of old age and illness.

Because of this, Zitong Prefecture, being the sect master’s homeland, had always received considerable care.

The prefecture had even specially established a shrine for the Xie Jing couple, displaying many old items from that time.

All of this seemed to have no problems whatsoever.

Xie Hongchen said, “So? What is suspicious about it?”

Huang Rang said, “In my dreams, to better understand Sect Master Xie, I specially went to Zitong Prefecture once.”

Xie Hongchen was stunned. Huang Rang said, “Then I discovered that Yuhu Xuanzong’s initial screening of disciples begins in the third month each year. From newborn infants to eighteen-year-old youths, none are overlooked. Zitong Prefecture is the same.”

Xie Hongchen’s heart jumped, immediately understanding her words: “You’re saying that if I was born in the first month, then in the third month, I would have undergone Yuhu Xuanzong’s spiritual root testing for disciples?”

Huang Rang said approvingly, “Exactly. With Sect Master’s qualifications and bone structure, you couldn’t possibly fail to even reach the standard for becoming a disciple. Therefore, if we go by Sect Master’s supposed background, Sect Master should have been selected into the immortal sect early on, rather than fleeing with your parents.”

Xie Hongchen pondered for a long time, saying, “Occasional oversights are also possible.”

Huang Rang said, “At first, I thought the same. But later, when I had free time, I helped organize the law scrolls. The management of the initial disciple screening scrolls was most lax. Seeing Zitong Prefecture, I thought of Sect Master and casually looked through them.”

She said with great certainty, “I saw the name Xie Jing on them! In the year Sect Master was born, Yuhu Xuanzong did indeed conduct an initial disciple screening on that infant. But he did not pass!”

“How is that possible?” Xie Hongchen was stunned.

Huang Rang said, “I was also very shocked at the time, so I found an opportunity to mention this matter to Sect Master.”

“And then?” Xie Hongchen asked.

Huang Rang said dejectedly, “The words had barely begun when I was reprimanded by Sect Master. Sect Master said…” Her gaze grew distant, recalling that source, “‘This is not something you should inquire about. As a junior, discussing elders behind their backs and sowing discord—is this how Huang Shu taught you?'”

She imitated Xie Hongchen’s tone of voice—it was remarkably lifelike.

Xie Hongchen was stunned.

Huang Rang continued, “Then, not long after, Ancestor Lingbi suddenly burst into my quarters and privately subjected me to the Soul-Searching Bone-Setting Needle torture. I was imprisoned in a secret chamber deep within Luofu Hall, in utter darkness.”

Xie Hongchen slowly retreated a step, silent for a long time.

Huang Rang said, “Even now I can’t figure out who informed on me. I always felt that even if Sect Master Xie didn’t believe it, you surely wouldn’t mention it to him.”

After a long while, Xie Hongchen asked, “You said you examined the law scrolls of Zitong Prefecture’s initial disciple screening from that year?”

“Yes.” Huang Rang said, “I’m certain the names of the Xie Jing couple were on them.”

Xie Hongchen’s heartbeat gradually quickened. After a long while, he said, “Every single law scroll of Yuhu Xuanzong has shadow-retention techniques. They record anyone who has ever opened them. But… ordinary disciples don’t know this.”

“Ah…” Huang Rang was slightly stunned. After a long while, she smiled helplessly: “Thank you for clarifying. Then I finally died knowing the truth.”

She understood, but now Xie Hongchen was confused.

—If his origins were false, then who was he? Why did Ancestor Lingbi fabricate his background?

He could only ask, “Besides these things, do you have any concrete evidence?”

Huang Rang dared not mention more. She was now the court’s Division Scholar. If she only attacked Xie Lingbi, she feared Xie Hongchen would believe even less.

She could only say, “Even if Yuhu Xuanzong’s law scrolls have shadow-retention techniques, Sect Master Xie surely has ways to open them, correct?”

Xie Hongchen said nothing. He naturally had methods, but if he truly went to open them, it would mean he had begun to doubt his own master.

And all this, just because of a few words from a woman.

Seeing his silence, Huang Rang could only say, “Everything I’ve said is absolutely true, but I truly don’t know how to make Sect Master believe me.”

However, Xie Hongchen said, “I will verify your words.”

Huang Rang was stunned. Xie Hongchen looked directly at her, saying, “I will verify. But if these words are false, I will come find you again to execute the sect rules.”

“Ha.” Huang Rang laughed despite herself. “I’m truly honored beyond measure.”

“Honored beyond measure?” Xie Hongchen frowned.

“Yes.” Huang Rang said softly. “If Sect Master had spoken like this back then, I probably wouldn’t have… harbored resentment for half a lifetime.”

“Huang Rang,” Xie Hongchen finally asked this question: “What exactly happened between us?”

Why did we feel like old friends at first sight? Why this constant preoccupation? Why, with just a few words, does my spirit waver?

Huang Rang smiled, saying, “Nothing but passing clouds. I await Sect Master’s reply.”

With that, she stretched again, saying, “Any later, and my husband will probably return. That person has always been petty and jealous—Sect Master should not meet with him.”

She called that person “my husband.”

These two words, like two sharp thorns.

Xie Hongchen turned and left.

Western city. Di Yiqiu entered this residence.

The residence was quite good. Upon entering was a spirit wall, and walking further in, there was an exquisite courtyard with four sides. The courtyard had complete side rooms and halls, with pavilions arranged here and there. Further back, there was also a rear courtyard.

The rear courtyard hadn’t been maintained much and had grown some weeds.

The property steward followed him, constantly explaining, “This place was originally empty. If Your Lordship just does some light tidying, it will be a fine location.”

Lord Jianzheng looked around—he had already thought of many ways to make his wife happy.

He made a sound of acknowledgment, then looked toward the corner. In the corner were traces of something buried. He asked, “This is that well?”

The steward wiped fine sweat from his forehead, saying, “To be honest with Your Lordship, yes. After the master’s accident, everyone felt it was inauspicious, so this well was filled in.”

His words were honest. Di Yiqiu asked casually, “Looking at this courtyard, it was also a wealthy household. Why did your master jump into the well?”

The steward sighed, saying, “Your Lordship, that question touches on a sorrowful matter. My master was indeed a wealthy household in the capital. He used to do business in fabrics and porcelain, which was prosperous and flourishing. But my master had no children under his knees. Not until he was forty-nine years old did heaven grant him a son. The whole family loved him like a treasure—they held him in their palms fearing he’d fly away, held him in their mouths fearing he’d melt.”

Di Yiqiu raised his eyebrows: “And so?”

The steward said, “But who knew that the young master, just after his third birthday, disappeared.”

“Children getting lost is quite common,” Di Yiqiu said dismissively.

The steward said, “Your Lordship is right. But our young master never left people’s sight. That night he was sleeping in his room, with his wet nurse right beside him keeping watch. When the wet nurse woke from her sleep, the child was gone. Your Lordship doesn’t know—this wet nurse knew the young master was the heart and soul of the whole family, so she was usually very alert. But she just slept for a little while…”

He shook his head, sighing, “The whole family searched everywhere. Two years passed, yet they could neither see him alive nor find his corpse. My master… became ill from longing. He kept saying the young master was in the well, so I had people dredge the dry well over and over—where was there any trace? Later, my master’s madness erupted, and he finally fell into the well and died.”

Di Yiqiu asked, “Did you not report to the authorities?”

The steward said, “How could we not? My master stuffed in who knows how much silver, but there was no news whatsoever. Our young master was born adorable as jade and snow, lively and clever. But it was as if he vanished into thin air. You tell me… sigh, the family destroyed and people dead.”

Di Yiqiu walked through the courtyard with him, his heart truly suspicious.

The capital’s inner city had strict patrols.

How could such a thing happen?

He said, “A three-year-old child couldn’t go far. Has the residence been searched?”

The steward had long since given up hope on this matter, saying, “Never mind this residence—the entire inner city was dug three feet deep, every place turned over. Poor my master nearly exhausted his family fortune. After his death, family members left who could leave, scattered who could scatter. Only this residence remained, but because of all the rumors, it couldn’t be sold for much money.”

Di Yiqiu nodded, saying, “Write down the deed—go to Si Tianjian to collect the money.”

The steward was shocked: “Your Lordship didn’t bring silver?”

Jianzheng answered frankly, “This seat was married the day before yesterday.” Seeing the steward still didn’t understand, he added, “My wife at home manages the finances.”

The steward understood.

After writing down the deed, Jianzheng’s mind still remained suspended on this matter.

In this residence, he walked back and forth several more times.

The residence had wooden horses, swings, slides that children loved most, and so on.

The side room still retained the appearance of a child’s quarters. Inside, toys like pellet drums and cloth tigers, though dusty, were still clearly visible.

Where could that child have gone?

Si Tianjian.

Huang Rang had just returned when she happened upon the steward coming to collect money. Huang Rang looked at the deed—it said two hundred taels of silver.

This price in the capital’s inner city, and moreover for such a residence—it was practically no different from picking it up for free.

Huang Rang happily paid the money. Beside her, Zong Qiguang glanced over and said hesitantly, “Division Scholar, this is a haunted house.”

“Go, go, go—if it weren’t a haunted house, I wouldn’t buy it.” Huang Rang waved to shoo the person away.

Beside them, Sha Ruoen laughed, saying, “Since Jianzheng and the Division Scholar are so frugal, why not just live in the official quarters? You wouldn’t need to spend even a single tael of silver.”

Huang Rang’s sore spot was stepped on, and she couldn’t help but glare angrily: “What do you know? Little brat!”

Just at this moment, Zong Zifu happened to pass by.

When Huang Rang saw him, her face nearly caught fire. But he remained completely composed—honestly speaking, this old man was quite decent. If he had waited until after the couple’s wedding night to speak up, Huang Rang would have died of embarrassment.

He glanced at the deed paper and also said, “You really did buy this residence.”

Huang Rang was surprised: “How does Shaojian Zong also know about it?”

Zong Zifu said, “A famous haunted house in the capital. That old Master Qi could be considered a well-known merchant in the capital.” He shook his head. “Once the child was lost, he was like he’d lost his soul, had no heart for business, and finally fell into the well and died. Truly, worldly affairs are impermanent.”

Huang Rang looked again at the deed in her hand—this residence, it wouldn’t really be haunted, would it?!