Pei Xiao raised his head high.

“How impressively?”

“Pei Daren was attacked and narrowly escaped with his life. After preliminary investigation, the masterminds behind it are Wu Guanyue and his son. There’s a rumor among the people that Wu Guanyue and his son are actually hiding at Guanyin Chan Temple.”

Pei Xiao narrowed his eyes.

“You want me to openly and brazenly force that old bald monk to hand over Wu Guanyue and his son?”

“If soft methods don’t work, we can only try hard ones.”

Yan Sanhe glanced sideways at Xie Zhifei, who was drinking tea. “You officials are all good at using these tactics, aren’t you?”

“Pfft!”

A mouthful of hot tea sprayed out. Xie Zhifei didn’t get angry but laughed instead.

“Yan Sanhe, before you bring up old grievances, could you give me advance warning so I can mentally prepare?”

Yan Sanhe: “Warning!”

Xie Zhifei: “…”

Pei Xiao: “…”

Separated by merely half an hour, that sense of powerlessness from reaching a dead end and desperate straits completely vanished. Hope rekindled in everyone’s hearts.

Two things in this world were priceless: affection and confidence.

And the latter almost determined the success or failure of any endeavor.

Xie Zhifei looked at Yan Sanhe, his heart beating somewhat fast.

Meanwhile, Pei Xiao looked at Yan Sanhe, his heartbeat completely losing its rhythm.

…

Guanyin Chan Temple, Great Buddha Hall.

A sharp blade pressed against Monk Changqing’s neck. Everyone heard the whimpering sound of extreme fear from his throat.

“Harboring court criminals—Changqing, you old bald monk, you have quite the audacity.”

“This, this… this…”

Changqing’s eyes rolled back, nearly fainting.

“If you’re smart, quickly hand over Wu Guanyue and his son. Otherwise…”

Pei Xiao slammed the table and said sternly, “This official will execute first and report later—you’ll be the first one I take my blade to!”

…

Just as Pei Daren was nearly scaring Changqing to death, Xie Zhifei was draping his arm over San Pang brother’s shoulder, discussing where to eat dinner and where to listen to songs at the pleasure house.

Third Master’s principle was simple—

Money wasn’t important. What mattered most was that his brothers ate well, drank well, and had a good time.

San Pang slapped his chest until it resounded.

“Brother Xie, leave it to me. I guarantee I’ll arrange tonight’s matters beautifully.”

“Won’t let Brother Pang work for nothing.”

Xie Zhifei’s peach blossom eyes smiled into crescents.

“Anyone in the office who’s on good terms with Brother Pang—bring them all. The more people, the livelier it is.”

Look, this was true magnanimity.

Brother Pang immediately went to make arrangements without another word.

Ha!

Under heaven, was there anything more wonderful than this?

Xie Zhifei watched the man’s retreating back, his smile gradually settling.

He unhurriedly returned to the guest courtyard. Closing the door, he collapsed onto the bed to sleep.

Listening to songs at pleasure houses was physically demanding work—he had to conserve his energy.

…

Night fell.

In a private room at a restaurant, around a large round table sat a full ten men.

Xie Sanye sat facing south, raising his wine cup.

“This first cup, I toast to Brother San Pang. That day, if he hadn’t acted, this little life of mine would have been forfeit.”

San Pang had both substance and face. “Not at all, not at all. Together, let’s drink!”

“This second cup, I toast to all the brothers. First time coming to Guangxi Prefecture, I owe everything to the brothers’ care. If there’s a chance to come to the capital, give Brother Xie an opportunity to show his appreciation.”

“Brother Xie, you’re too loyal!”

“Brother Xie, drink!”

“This third cup, I must toast Magistrate Zhou, who isn’t here. Magistrate Zhou is a fine official—truly impeccable toward the common people…”

Just as Xie Zhifei steered the conversation toward Magistrate Zhou, Pei Daren’s group returned exhausted to the guest courtyard.

Yan Sanhe issued orders upon entering.

“Zhu Qing, go fetch Third Master back.”

“Yes!”

“Huang Qi, attend to your master’s bathing, changing, and dining.”

“Yes!”

“Pei Mingting, no progress on our end doesn’t mean Third Master’s end has none either. Put away that dejected face and pull yourself together!”

“Young mistress, Pei Daren can’t pull himself together anymore. Didn’t you see the line written on his face?”

“What line?”

“‘Master is dead. For matters, burn paper offerings.'”

That one sentence brought Pei Daren, who’d been lying there like a dead dog, back to life—

A resurrection!

…

Two hours later, Xie Zhifei entered carrying a thick scent of alcohol.

From the doorway to the chair, a distance of just two or three steps, he walked unsteadily.

Pei Xiao felt terrible for him and quickly handed over his own teacup. “Quick, drink some tea to sober up.”

“Don’t want it.”

Xie Zhifei looked at it with slight disdain and commanded, “Pour a fresh cup.”

Now he’s being particular?

Pei Xiao said to Zhu Qing, “Quick, pour Third Master fresh tea.”

Zhu Qing quickly poured a cup of fresh tea.

Xie Zhifei took it and was about to drink when he suddenly set it down heavily on the table. “Trying to scald someone?”

Xie residence’s Third Master usually had a good temper and always wore a smile—except for one thing: after drinking.

After seven-tenths drunk, both his temper and nature emerged, making him harder to serve than anyone.

Usually he called Pei Xiao “ancestor.” Now Pei Xiao had to call him “ancestor.”

“Good boy, drink mine first.” Pei Daren coaxed and cajoled.

“Take it away!”

Xie Zhifei’s eyes slanted, his finger pointed. “Yan Sanhe, bring yours over for me to drink. I’ll only drink yours.”

Yan Sanhe’s eyes flashed with anger. Now he’s throwing a drunken tantrum at me?

Bah!

“Miss, just let him have one sip!”

Pei Xiao’s face was pleading. “This person gets like this when drunk. If you don’t agree, he’ll make an even bigger fuss.”

Zhu Qing also spoke up for his master. “Miss Yan, Third Master’s constitution really can’t handle much alcohol. When he drinks too much, he feels terrible.”

“Yan Sanhe, are you giving it or not? Speak up quickly.”

Xie Sanye tilted his neck with a “If you don’t give it, I’ll just take it” rogue expression.

Yan Sanhe had already been tired all day and had no energy left to tangle with a drunk. She placed her teacup directly in front of him.

Xie Sanye got the teacup. Happy now, pleased now, his peach blossom eyes lifted as he gulped it down in two mouthfuls.

After drinking, he set the teacup in front of Yan Sanhe.

“More!”

“…”

Yan Sanhe, seeing everyone’s eyes on her, only then realized that bastard wanted her to personally pour tea.

Beautiful dream!

She sat with a stony face, unmoving.

Pei Xiao and Zhu Qing were dying of anxiety. One squeezed his eyes with all his might, nearly popping them out.

The other looked at her silently, all accusations in his gaze.

Third Master is drunk!

What’s wrong with pouring a cup of tea!

The atmosphere froze.

Yan Sanhe took a deep breath, picked up the teapot, and refilled him half a cup.

Damn it!

Who knows which person spoiled him like this—utterly lawless!

And there was more lawlessness to come.

Xie Zhifei’s slender fingers picked up the teacup, and with a pleased raise of his eyebrow: “Yan Sanhe, see, you’re quite obedient after all, aren’t you?”

“Xie Wushi, just speak up!”

Pei Xiao truly thought he’d be scared to death. Daring to say such things to the divine sorceress Yan…

Had he gone mad?

Didn’t want to live anymore?

“Ancestor, stop making trouble, all right? I’m begging you!”

“Fine. You kneel down and beg?”

Damn it!

Can I strangle him right now?

Pei Xiao ground his teeth.