The atmosphere in the room instantly crystallized into ice.
What should have been a heart-fluttering scene became stripped of all intimacy when described by the person before them, leaving only the awkwardness and danger of exposure.
Ye Yan quickly collected herself. Looking at him, the characteristic nervousness and anxiety of her persona as Chen Li Su completely vanished, replaced by her usual smile. “Call me whatever you like, as long as it pleases Military Governor.”
“The daughter of City Gate Commander Ye Sui, actually enlisting in the army.” He fixed his gaze on Ye Yan’s eyes with a cryptic smile. “Miss Ye is quite daring.”
This person… Ye Yan’s thoughts stirred. Since he knew Ye Sui’s name, he had been investigating her in secret, rather than discovering her identity at the Sun Manor. Even with express horses and messenger pigeons, it would take over a month from Shuo Capital to here. Had Xiao Jue suspected her from the beginning? But why?
The youth smiled. “I never imagined a Military Governor would pay much attention to me. I’m truly humbled.”
There wasn’t a trace of panic on Ye Yan’s face; even surprise only flickered momentarily. Even now, with her clothes disturbed and her identity exposed, an ordinary woman would likely be overwhelmed with shame. Yet this person remained completely unfazed, more composed than most men. Perhaps this was exactly why no one had discovered her female identity from the capital to Liang Prefecture and throughout her extended stay in the Liang Prefecture Guard.
When Xiao Jue received the confidential letter from Shuo Capital, he could hardly believe it. The City Gate Commander indeed had a child called Ye Yan, but it was a daughter, not a son. He also had a younger son named Ye Yun Sheng. Half a year ago, the daughter Ye Yan had allegedly been killed by bandits on a pleasure boat in Spring River and drowned, her body never recovered. The timing matched precisely with when Ye Yan enlisted in the army.
A woman joining the army might avoid detection for a day or two, but to remain undiscovered for over half a year meant either everyone around her was blind, or her disguise was exceptionally convincing. Xiao Jue was not blind, and thinking back to his interactions with Ye Yan, he realized her deception had been masterful.
Though delicate and slight in build, people never associated her with being female. This was because what ordinary woman would be so unrestrained in behavior? Moreover, her martial skills ranked among the top in the Liang Prefecture Guard.
“Why did you come to the Liang Prefecture Guard?”
Ye Yan’s mind raced as she answered, “I got into trouble in Shuo Capital. It would have meant certain death if I was caught, so I had no choice but to enlist.”
“What trouble?”
He still didn’t trust her, even though he had investigated everything. Ye Yan sighed. “A young master from a wealthy family desired my beauty and abducted me to his boat, intending to force me into marriage. As fate would have it, assassins arrived and took his life. Being alone on the boat left me unable to explain myself – others might have thought I was in league with the assassins. With no other option, I could only enlist in the army.”
This explanation was half-truth and half-fiction, delivered with complete sincerity. Xiao Jue regarded her with amusement. “Desired your beauty?”
Ye Yan: “…”
What did he mean by that – was he looking down on her? Ye Yan had looked at herself in mirrors; Young Lady Ye’s face could be described as delicately beautiful.
“Not everyone has Military Governor’s refined tastes,” she replied with a forced smile.
Xiao Jue nodded. “I see.”
Ye Yan’s explanation was partially true, and she knew Xiao Jue wouldn’t be easily fooled. She hadn’t expected him to accept it so readily, yet surprisingly he didn’t pursue the matter further.
“Why were you out so late at night?” His gaze swept over Ye Yan, noting the unmistakable scent of blood. It had even stained the bedding with a faint red mark.
So he had noticed her injury, yet showed no sympathy. He questioned as he pleased, and hadn’t even removed his hand from her throat. In Xiao Jue’s eyes, there was no distinction between men and women.
“I killed Yuan Bao Zhen’s guard,” she said.
After a moment, Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows. “Why?”
“While the Military Governor was away these past days, Yuan Bao Zhen kept seeking meetings with me. I suspected he was growing suspicious. Later, I overheard their conversation,” she paused before continuing, “They seemed to be taking orders from someone called Minister Xu, planning to take your life. The banquet incident was also their arrangement.”
“You say, Minister Xu?” Xiao Jue looked up at her, his autumn-water eyes flickering with an unusual emotion.
Ye Yan shrugged. “Indeed. You might want to consider if you’ve offended anyone by that name. I was awakened by the cold tonight, and upon waking found everyone gone and the window open. While closing it, I noticed someone passing by – it was Yuan Bao Zhen’s guard. He deliberately lured me to the abandoned wing of Sun Manor.”
“He intended to use me to constrain you, presumably as a hostage.” Ye Yan shook her head. “But I’m not Chen Li Su, and the Military Governor wouldn’t likely surrender for my sake. What if you decided to simply shoot me dead to eliminate future troubles? After careful consideration, I couldn’t allow myself to be captured. We fought fiercely until I finally killed him.” Ye Yan gestured at herself, “And ended up in this state.”
Though she spoke casually, she was injured, her complexion poor and strength failing.
“To kill Yuan Bao Zhen’s guard and survive – you’re quite capable.”
“I think so too,” Ye Yan managed a smile. “So, Military Governor, have I earned my place in the Nine Banners Camp now?”
She did not attempt to hide her desire to join the Nine Banners Camp.
“You believe you qualify for the Nine Banners Camp?” Xiao Jue countered.
“Of course. Besides, I eliminated a serious threat for you. Military Governor, surely you should reward me somehow.”
Xiao Jue laughed without anger, releasing his grip on Ye Yan. Looking down at her, he mocked, “Tomorrow I’ll send you back to Shuo Capital – that’s your reward.”
“No!” Ye Yan sat up straight, but the movement pulled at her wound, causing her to hiss in pain. “I can’t return to Shuo Capital! The Fan family won’t let me go. Military Governor, could you bear to see an innocent person wrongly imprisoned?”
“Yes.”
Ye Yan: “… You can’t do this!”
“You’re in no position to negotiate with me.”
After speaking so much, Ye Yan felt dizzy and lightheaded, doubting she could continue much longer. Her wounds remained untreated. “You’ll regret this,” she said.
“Why would I regret it?”
“Since you’re sending me back to Shuo Capital anyway, there’s no need to hide my identity anymore. When people learn there was a woman in the Liang Prefecture Guard, they’ll speculate about what happened.” Ye Yan smiled faintly. “I can only tell them about my special relationship with the Military Governor.”
Hearing this, Xiao Jue responded carelessly, “What special relationship?”
“Special in that… I know about the red birthmark an inch above the Military Governor’s waist.”
With these words, the room fell silent, broken only by faint thunder outside and the gentle autumn rain hitting the stone ground.
Xiao Jue slowly turned to look at her, anger growing in his eyes.
The youth maintained a roguish expression, smiling despite her pale face. “When you were bathing before… well, I have good eyesight. I noticed it immediately. Blame our Military Governor for being so captivating – even that red birthmark is perfectly placed, making it impossible to forget.”
Could there be such a woman under heaven? Xiao Jue wondered in disbelief. But as Ye Yan finished speaking, she seemed unable to hold on any longer, her head tilting to one side as she lost consciousness.
Xiao Jue: “…”
Outside the door came Fei Nu’s voice: “Young Master.”
Xiao Jue said: “Come in.” He casually grabbed a quilt from the couch and threw it over Ye Yan, covering her.
Fei Nu entered but didn’t look at Ye Yan, only saying: “We found the body of Yuan Bao Zhen’s guard in the side courtyard of Sun Manor, killed by his own Plum Blossom Darts.”
Xiao Jue said: “Understood.” So in this matter, at least, Ye Yan hadn’t lied.
The scent of blood in the room was impossible to ignore. Fei Nu hesitated before asking: “Young Master, is Ye Yan injured?”
When Fei Nu learned that Ye Yan was a woman, he too was astonished. Apart from her build and features, there wasn’t a single thing about Ye Yan that resembled a woman. Yet this same woman had killed Yuan Bao Zhen’s guard, a man of exceptional martial skill who particularly excelled in the use of poison.
“The injuries are serious.”
“How does Young Master plan to handle her?” Fei Nu asked.
Xiao Jue paused before saying: “Go find a female physician now.”
Fei Nu was slightly surprised – Xiao Jue’s words meant he intended to save Ye Yan.
“Has Young Master confirmed she isn’t Minister Xu’s agent?”
“She doesn’t appear to be,” Xiao Jue said. “Xu Jing Fu looks down on women. For important matters, he would never involve a female. The confidential letters from Shuo Capital indicate no connection between the Ye family and Xu Jing Fu. However,” he pondered, “we should still be cautious.”
Fei Nu nodded, “I’ll go find a female physician right away.”
After Fei Nu left, Xiao Jue turned to look at Ye Yan on the bed.
Just because she didn’t seem to be Xu Jing Fu’s agent didn’t mean she was above suspicion. A sixteen-year-old young lady, born to a City Gate Commander’s family – even if she had trained in martial arts since childhood, she shouldn’t be this exceptional, unmatched in the Liang Prefecture Guard. How could an ordinary person possess such determination, living among soldiers? Even men often couldn’t endure such hardships, yet she never complained. If she had merely enlisted because of the Fan Cheng incident, it seemed rather far-fetched.
Moreover, she was so fixated on joining the Nine Banners Camp.
The rain continued steadily. The young woman’s face was deathly pale. When she had returned, she was covered in wounds, especially the sword wound on her back – extremely deep and long. Yet she hadn’t once cried out in pain. Even now, unconscious from exhaustion, her lips still curved upward in that roguish youth’s expression.
Could there be such a woman in the world? So formidable, yet so vexing. So cunning, yet so shameless.
Xiao Jue closed the window and left.
…
When Ye Yan awoke, it was already daylight.
She lay on her usual couch, but her clothes had been changed. Ye Yan sat up, instinctively lifting her inner garment to find white bandages wrapped around her waist, treating the wounds from last night’s fight with Ding Yi.
Carefully remembering, she recalled the events of the previous night. She remembered confronting Xiao Jue, threatening him with knowledge of his red birthmark. Xiao Jue had been angry, and then she must have fainted. However, now… she touched her head – her hair bun was intact, and she still wore men’s clothing. No one else knew she was a woman.
Had Xiao Jue kept her secret for now?
Ye Yan felt relieved, looking around to find neither Fei Nu nor Xiao Jue present.
Surely they hadn’t abandoned her at Sun Manor just because they discovered her gender?
As Ye Yan tried to get up, a small long-necked bottle rolled from her garments. Opening it revealed black medicinal pills. A note beside the bed read: “Take upon waking.”
The handwriting was sharp and powerful, yet elegant. Ye Yan instantly recognized it as Xiao Jue’s. Back at Xian Chang Academy, Xiao Jue had excelled at everything – even his essays were displayed at the school entrance for admiration. His handwriting had left a deep impression on Ye Yan; she had secretly made copies hoping to imitate it but gave up when she couldn’t capture his style.
Since Second Young Master Xiao left a note about taking medicine, things seemed relatively peaceful. Nothing serious should happen for now.
As Ye Yan pondered this, another thought struck her as she examined herself. If they wanted to protect her female identity, Sun Manor’s servants couldn’t have been involved – so who had changed her clothes and bandaged her wounds? Certainly not Xiao Jue, so it must have been Fei Nu.
Though she’d served in the army for years and wasn’t as concerned about physical modesty as ordinary women, the thought still made her uncomfortable.
It felt somewhat like being taken advantage of.
But there was no use dwelling on it now – they had meant well. She put on her shoes and opened the door to look outside.
As soon as she stepped out, Ye Yan sensed something was wrong.
Because of the assassin incident at Sun Manor’s banquet, servants weren’t allowed near their quarters, though usually there were still maids cleaning at a distance. Today, there wasn’t a single one. Looking around, the entire Sun Manor seemed deserted.
Even if Xiao Jue meant to abandon her, why was the entire manor empty? Had something happened? Confused, Ye Yan thought for a moment before deciding to walk outside. After passing her quarters and turning past the garden to the main courtyard, she saw numerous soldiers in red armor surrounding the main hall. Servants and maids crouched in several rows, with Sun Xiang Fu and his son encircled in the middle. Yuan Bao Zhen stood to one side, facing off against Xiao Jue.
She’d only taken a nap, and now they were fighting? As Ye Yan pondered this, she met Xiao Jue’s gaze. His cool look reminded her of last night’s events, making her momentarily awkward. After some thought, she steeled herself and called out in Chen Li Su’s characteristically cheerful tone: “Uncle!”
The tense atmosphere was momentarily broken by this cry of “Uncle.” Everyone turned to look at her.
Yuan Bao Zhen’s gaze flickered: “Young Master Chen, you can see now?”
Ye Yan then remembered she wasn’t wearing her blindfold, but it didn’t matter now. Ding Yi was dead, and Xiao Jue had discovered her female identity. It seemed Xiao Jue had also found his would-be assassins, and now was the time for reckoning. Whether she was blind or not no longer affected the bigger picture.
Ye Yan scratched her head, responding innocently: “Really? Yes, it seems I can see now. I truly must be blessed by heaven’s grace.”
This lie was perfunctory, but no one dared question her now.
Yuan Bao Zhen seemed to sense something, asking: “Young Master Chen, have you seen my guard?”
“No,” Ye Yan said. “Has Inspector Yuan’s guard gone missing?”
She smiled sweetly, making her thoughts unreadable. Yuan Bao Zhen felt very uneasy. After Ding Yi left last night, he hadn’t returned even by this morning – something must have happened. Earlier, he had argued with Ding Yi, who wanted to take Chen Li Su hostage to pressure Xiao Jue, but Yuan Bao Zhen felt the timing wasn’t right. They had parted on bad terms, but since Ding Yi truly answered Ye Ru Fei, Yuan Bao Zhen couldn’t control him. If he had snuck out last night, it must have been for Chen Li Su.
Now Chen Li Su stood here perfectly fine, even with normal vision, while Ding Yi had vanished. Yuan Bao Zhen’s heart sank, sensing things had gone wrong. Moreover, Xiao Jue had surrounded Sun Manor early this morning, making him even more uneasy.
This man’s actions defied normal prediction.
When Yuan Bao Zhen didn’t answer, Ye Yan didn’t press. She moved to stand beside Xiao Jue, first giving him an ingratiating smile, then quietly asking Fei Nu: “Brother Fei Nu, what scene are we acting out now?”
Watching Ye Yan’s usual smiling face, Fei Nu’s respect for her composure grew even more. After such major events last night, with her identity exposed, she could continue the act so naturally – it was admirable.
Before Fei Nu could answer, Sun Xiang Fu spoke up. Though his expression was terrible, he forced a smile: “Military Governor, what is the meaning of this? Has our Sun Manor somehow displeased you?”
Sun Ling stood beside Sun Xiang Fu, his gaze toward Xiao Jue barely concealing hatred, though he remained silent, clearly struggling to contain his indignation.
“Indeed,” Yuan Bao Zhen stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Military Governor, where did these troops come from? His Majesty strictly forbids private armies. Even if you’re dissatisfied with Magistrate Sun, you can’t vent your anger this way.”
Ye Yan raised her eyebrows – these words struck at the heart, charging Xiao Jue with two crimes at once. One for maintaining a private army, another for personal vengeance – quite a skillful tongue.
Hearing this, Xiao Jue’s lips curved slightly as he replied: “Inspector Yuan worries too much. These troops are borrowed from Xia Ling Prefecture. The crime of maintaining a private army is more than I can bear. But the crime of slandering an imperial official – can Inspector Yuan bear that responsibility?”
Troops from Xia Ling Prefecture? Yuan Bao Zhen stiffened. How was this possible? The lead soldier in red armor saluted: “By order of Prefect Shi of Xia Ling Prefecture, we’ve come to assist the Military Governor and Inspector in investigating the case of Liang Prefecture’s Magistrate plotting against an official’s family member.”
Plotting against an official’s family member? Upon hearing this, Sun Xiang Fu instinctively protested his innocence, crying out: “Military Governor, this is unjust! Those assassins in the manor had nothing to do with me! I don’t know what happened – you can’t falsely accuse people like this! Besides, the young master can see now. You can’t just arrest innocent people because you’re angry! I’m wronged, I’m truly wronged!”
His cries were bitter and heart-wrenching, but Xiao Jue merely sneered: “Who said the official’s family member refers to Chen Li Su?”
Not Chen Li Su? Everyone, including Ye Yan, was stunned.
Just then, a clear female voice rang out from outside the courtyard: “I’m the one who was targeted!”
Two more people appeared outside – one was Xiao Jue’s guard Chi Wu, the other a young girl in warm-colored clothing with twin buns, bright-eyed and lovely – none other than Song Tao Tao.
Under Chi Wu’s protection, Song Tao Tao walked to Xiao Jue’s side and berated Sun Xiang Fu and Sun Ling: “I am the legitimate daughter of the Deputy Director of the Imperial Household Department. You dared to kidnap me in broad daylight! If Second Young Master Xiao and Young Master Chen hadn’t saved me on the road, who knows what would have happened to me? The people from Wan Hua Pavilion have all been captured by Second Young Master Xiao’s men – all evidence and witnesses are in hand. Let’s see how you deny it now. When I return to Shuo Capital, I’ll tell my father everything. You’ll all lose your heads!”
Though the young girl looked sweet, she spoke with great authority. She harbored a deep hatred for Sun Ling – if not for him, she wouldn’t have ended up at Wan Hua Pavilion, suffering such hardships that her fingers were nearly crushed. In other words, if Ye Yan hadn’t accidentally encountered and rescued her that night, this young girl would likely have been violated by Sun Ling by now.
The faces of Sun Xiang Fu and his son turned ashen.
If the accusation of plotting against an official’s family had referred to Xiao Jue and Chen Li Su, they might have had room to argue, since all the assassins were dead, leaving no evidence linking them to the crime. But who could have predicted Xiao Jue would take such an unexpected approach, bringing forth this young girl? Who could have imagined that the girl Sun Ling kidnapped would be the daughter of a capital official?
Yet this was hardly the only evil deed Sun Ling had committed over the years. Among the girls kidnapped to Sun Manor were daughters from all over, including those from wealthy families and officials’ precious daughters. But once they reached Liang Prefecture, they vanished like needles into the sea, never to return. The area had been under the complete control of Sun Xiang Fu and his son for many years, darkness reigning supreme. Whether from poor families or wealthy ones, once here, there was no distinction between them.
Ye Yan stared at Xiao Jue’s back, unable to help mentally applauding him.
So this was what Second Young Master Xiao had been busy with during his mysterious absences these past few days. She had thought he took Song Tao Tao away just to protect her, but now it seemed there was more to it. After all, if Xiao Jue had kept Song Tao Tao by his side at Sun Manor, even if Sun Ling recognized her, he wouldn’t have dared do anything. By sending Song Tao Tao away, he prevented the Sun family from becoming suspicious. Now, Song Tao Tao’s appearance had become the final straw in condemning Sun Xiang Fu.
“This… this is all a misunderstanding, Military Governor, let me explain…” Sun Xiang Fu kicked Sun Ling, forcing him to kneel. Sun Xiang Fu cursed: “Unfilial son, you’ve created such a mess, what now? Beg the Military Governor for mercy yourself!”
“Magistrate Sun is kneeling to the wrong person,” Xiao Jue said carelessly. “I’m not the Inspecting Censor.” He turned to Yuan Bao Zhen, speaking languidly: “Inspector Yuan has been in Liang Prefecture for so long, yet doesn’t understand the situation here. If others learn of this, you could be charged with dereliction of duty. Even your teacher might not be able to save you then.”
Yuan Bao Zhen was so angry he nearly coughed blood. Looking at Xiao Jue, the young Military Governor’s lips held a smile, his gaze casual, but containing overwhelming malice.
He hadn’t been targeting Yuan Bao Zhen at all, but Sun Xiang Fu. This was even worse because his teacher Xu Jing Fu certainly didn’t want this outcome. Talk about failing – this wasn’t just losing a single chicken, it was having the entire granary emptied.
Ding Yi was missing – how could he alone handle the aggressive Xiao Jue?
As Song Tao Tao fiercely glared at the Sun family, Ye Yan pondered. Song Tao Tao’s testimony alone might be enough to condemn Sun Ling, but not necessarily Sun Xiang Fu. With protection from above, Sun Xiang Fu might still find a way out.
Would Xiao Jue show any mercy? Ye Yan didn’t think so.
“Military Governor, please hear our explanation! I am truly wronged!” Sun Xiang Fu and Sun Ling wailed to the heavens.
Concerning himself, Yuan Bao Zhen spoke with difficulty: “Military Governor, perhaps there truly is some misunderstanding.”
Xiao Jue stared at him with an ambiguous smile, then after a while nodded: “To the side courtyard.”
To the side courtyard? What for?
Upon hearing this, Sun Xiang Fu and his son’s faces instantly changed, nearly fainting.
The red-armored soldiers escorted Sun Xiang Fu, his son, and the others to the side courtyard. Last night’s rain had washed the courtyard’s dust clean, transforming what should have been a peaceful scene into one of desolate tragedy.
Ye Yan glanced at the nearby building with its tightly closed doors, remembering the Buddha statues covering every surface inside from the previous night, and couldn’t help but shudder.
But why had Xiao Jue brought them here?
Yuan Bao Zhen was also confused: “Military Governor intends to…”
“Dig three feet deep, let our great Inspector Yuan see what lies beneath.” Though smiling, his expression was cold, his tone perfectly calm as he ordered the soldiers: “Dig.”
The soldiers obeyed, finding hoes and sickles from around Sun Manor, and began digging.
Seeing this, Sun Xiang Fu and his son seemed unable to maintain their composure any longer. Their legs gave way, and they collapsed, their faces ashen.
Song Tao Tao quietly asked Ye Yan: “What’s under the ground?”
Looking at the room full of Buddha statues, the talismans posted on the door, and the overgrown weeds in the desolate courtyard, Ye Yan’s expression turned serious as she guessed the truth. She remained silent, unable to find words to explain.
Shortly after, someone called out: “Military Governor, we’ve found something!”
It was a female corpse wrapped in a bamboo mat, extremely small, even smaller than Song Tao Tao. Her clothes had rotted away, revealing white bones – who knows how delicate and lovely she had once been.
“Continue,” Xiao Jue commanded.
Soon after, another voice: “Here’s another body!”
Another female corpse, with long hair, apparently dead not long ago, her beautiful features still faintly visible, hinting at her former grace.
A third, fourth, fifth…
Eventually, no one spoke anymore, only the sound of digging continued. The air was deathly still. It was impossible to imagine how many bodies this side courtyard contained. The entire courtyard was filled with corpses covered in white cloth, so many of them had to be stacked together.
Beneath this desolate side courtyard lay countless beautiful women turned to bones – perhaps shy flower sellers, perhaps enchanting married women. Here, regardless of wealth or status, all had turned to mud, piled into this unrecognizable mountain of corpses.
These were all girls kidnapped and violated by Sun Ling, then killed. They met with disaster in life and found no peace in death. The guilty perpetrators, in their fear, had placed countless Buddha statues and talismans to suppress and curse them.
The eternal lamp might flicker forever, but for these girls’ lives, it was an endless night, never to see light again.
Ye Yan took a deep breath.
The sins committed by Sun Xiang Fu and his son were beyond heaven’s tolerance and earth’s bearing. Condemned by gods and men alike, death would be too light a punishment.