Registrar Yin’s words were like a muffled thunderclap descending from midair,震ing everyone’s ears buzzing.

Wan Songbai jolted awake, forcefully slapping his thigh: “I remember now! I was wondering where I’d seen him—it was over half a year ago on my way to take up my post when I detoured to Chen prefecture to celebrate the governor’s birthday. I remember now, I remember… That old fellow surnamed Yan sat among a group of county magistrates, silent and putting on airs, utterly annoying!”

“It really is the Tongniu County Magistrate…” Cheng Song said bewilderedly. “How could he have gone to Xu prefecture? And who did he meet?”

These two points he asked were precisely what everyone wanted to know. They all looked at each other.

Ling Buyi turned to ask: “Registrar Yin, do you know this person Yan Zhong?”

Registrar Yin dared not be connected with a traitor and quickly said: “Reporting to Lord Ling, this lowly official doesn’t know the traitor Yan personally. However, this lowly official is a local of Xu prefecture, and my wife is a local of Chen prefecture…” He smiled awkwardly. “Country folk with nothing to do love to gossip about others. Every time I return to gather with my clan, I can hear all the trivial matters of the northern prefectures. When I accompany my wife to visit her maternal uncle’s clan, I hear all the household affairs of the southern prefectures.”

He turned a circle to look at everyone in the room and continued: “This County Magistrate Yan is quite famous in Chen prefecture. Everyone knows he came to Tongniu County after receiving His Majesty’s demotion—no one locally gave him any face. He has no backing and is arrogant and proud. How could his days be easy?! Four or five months ago, his old mother fell gravely ill. He had no choice but to pawn family property to invite famous physicians. That’s when he exchanged his horse carriage for an ox cart—and it was one blue ox and one yellow ox at that. For a time, he became a laughingstock throughout Chen prefecture. Later I heard Old Lady Yan recovered, and the Yan family gradually turned things around. He switched back to a horse carriage—counting the days, the day Governor went to Cascading Water Shrine was precisely when Yan Zhong was using the blue ox and yellow ox.”

The room fell silent. Only Wan Songbai murmured: “Just for this they want to kill me? Even if that person was old man Yan Zhong, I didn’t see anything else!”

Ling Buyi said: “Perhaps Governor Wan seeing Yan Zhong meeting with another person—this matter itself is a huge hidden danger for that person behind the scenes.”

Tutor Lu concentrated for a long while, then bowed with clasped hands toward Ling Buyi: “My master is trapped in a quagmire without knowing it. This old man earnestly requests Lord Ling not begrudge teaching us—what should we do next?”

Wan Songbai thought that Ling Buyi was his sworn brother’s son-in-law. Urgently seeking help from him like this—wouldn’t it make him look down on the Cheng family? So he pretended to be carefree: “Eh, Tutor need not worry. All these years I’ve passed through mountains of blades and seas of fire. What are mere assassins…”

“Yes, they’re nothing much—just a few serious wounds, just lying on the bed for a mere two days.” Wan Qiqi seized the opportunity to undermine her father.

Shaoshang laughed lightly. She was about to express some brilliant insights on how to investigate the case when she remembered Ling Buyi beside her. She quickly shrank back and used her eyes to request Ling Buyi give instructions.

Ling Buyi secretly cursed with a smile “now you remember温良恭俭让,” then turned serious: “Tutor Lu need not worry. Previously the enemy was hidden while we were exposed—the other side calculated against us with intent while we were unprepared. Now that we’re on guard, if assassins dare come again it would be even better. I’ll send people to escort Governor Wan back to the capital. Along the way we’ll capture a few alive and everything will become clear.”

With these words, everyone in the room laughed heartily and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Governor Wan should continue recuperating. Once recovered, return to the capital to see His Majesty. Remember one thing: this time the governor was impeached by Huang Wen—return to the capital and explain clearly. Since the governor has evidence proving your innocence, feel free to speak freely. Whatever His Majesty asks, the governor should answer. If something is unclear, say it’s unclear. The governor need not concern himself with anything else.” Ling Buyi continued.

Wan Songbai was puzzled: “But that scoundrel behind the scenes…”

“Not being in that position, don’t pursue that administration. Since the root of the matter lies in Tongniu County, the anxious ones should be the Chen prefecture officials. What does it have to do with Xu prefecture? Governor should first wash yourself clean of false accusations, then worry about other things.”

Tutor Lu praised: “Lord Ling speaks truly. We were in the midst of confusion and became muddled.”

Having decided this, Ling Buyi began assigning tasks.

Uncle Ban’s old illness had merely relapsed—after resting two days he could continue on the road. Ban Jia still held military duties and couldn’t return to the capital without authorization, so he had to continue following Ling Buyi. Ling Buyi planned to personally make a trip to Tongniu County, leaving the Cheng family juniors to continue looking after Wan Songbai. After his injuries improved, they would set out.

Ling Buyi rose with heavy thoughts. His foot hadn’t yet crossed the threshold when from the corner of his eye he glimpsed Shaoshang and Wan Qiqi huddled together chattering quietly. He vaguely heard them making plans to go up the mountain to dig wild vegetables and raid bird nests. Ling Buyi thought for a moment, turned on his heel, walked over and picked up Shaoshang: “You should come with me to Tongniu County. Just bring two maidservants and personal luggage.”

Shaoshang was both surprised and delighted: “You’re taking me to Tongniu County to investigate the case? You think I can help?”

“I’m just afraid if I don’t watch you for a moment, I’ll have to turn back halfway to rescue you.”

Shaoshang: …

Because Tongniu County was located at the northernmost edge of Chen prefecture, bordering Xu prefecture, there was no need to bring too much luggage—one supply carriage covered everything. Bringing Lian Fang and Sang Guo along, changing into the brand new riding outfit the Empress had just had palace servants make for her, early the next morning Shaoshang was in high spirits, ready to depart.

Young Marquis Ban leaned half his body out from the carriage and couldn’t help looking at her several more times—the riding outfit was crimson brocade trimmed with gold patterns, paired with snow-white sable fur and a pearl-adorned collar. It made the girl’s snowy skin reflect rosy cheeks, her pink complexion染ing her green temples. Though all around was the bleak killing color of deep winter, it couldn’t hide the delicate spring flower colors of this charming child.

Following Ling Buyi’s instructions, Shaoshang personally checked the horse’s hooves before departure. Suddenly seeing her twin brother also leading a horse over, she said oddly: “Third Brother, how did you get here?”

Cheng Shaogong said weakly: “I’ve long admired Tongniu County’s scenery and plan to make the trip with you.”

“Third Brother, stop joking. You’ve never loved appreciating natural scenery.”

“Actually I’ve long admired Young Marquis Ban and plan to talk with him all night, making a friend.”

Ban Jia was both surprised and delighted: “Really? What have you heard about me? I’m willing to call you brother!”  Having been lonely since childhood, with his family protecting him too tightly, he’d never been able to have any childhood friends.

Cheng Shaogong smiled without mirth: “Many thanks.”

Shaoshang pressed the dagger at her waist, narrowing her eyes: “Third Brother, you’d better tell the truth! Are you still uneasy about me being alone with Lord Ling? There are so many guards, such a long military column—are you blind!”

Cheng Shaogong said angrily: “What do you want me to do? I’m also very desperate!”

After speaking, he seemed too tired to bother with Shaoshang anymore. He casually tossed the horse’s reins to her, then automatically dove into Ban Jia’s carriage: “Young Marquis, make some room—let me squeeze in with you… Eh, why do you keep looking at my little sister?”

Ban Jia’s face reddened: “No, nothing… I just think Lady Shaoshang is quite… quite pretty.” Actually he hadn’t developed any romantic thoughts—it was purely appreciating beauty.

Cheng Shaogong saw Ling Buyi gradually walking over from the carriage window and said coldly: “If Young Marquis wore women’s clothing, your appearance would be no less than my sister’s.”

Ban Jia was both embarrassed and annoyed, forcefully dropping the carriage curtain: “You, how can you speak so rudely… Just now you said you wanted to be friends with me, yet you’re just like those who love to mock me…!”

Cheng Shaogong’s face was expressionless: “Good medicine tastes bitter; honest advice grates on the ear. In the future, Young Marquis will know what a rare honest friend I am. Just now, I saved Young Marquis half a life.”  Ling Buyi was wolf-natured—even one extra glance at his territory would make him unhappy.

“You’re talking nonsense! I don’t believe you!”

“Today we met by fate, so I’ll help Young Marquis once more—from now on, change these effeminate speech patterns, or people will still mock you at fifty.”

“…I won’t talk to you anymore!”

Ban Jia was so embarrassed and angry he nearly shed tears.

Both his parents died early, his great-grandfather was aged, his uncle crippled. Since childhood he was raised in the embrace of his widowed aunt and wet nurses. Naturally his words and actions were somewhat soft. But this didn’t mean his heart didn’t yearn for the iron-blooded military career.

“Don’t be sad.” Cheng Shaogong patted his back, comforting: “Too bad you weren’t born in my family. Otherwise I’d have Mother give you a good beating—guaranteed to raise you with thick skin and a hard heart, impervious to water and fire.” Though he said this, thinking it over, forget it—Lady Xiao least liked boys like Ban Jia in her life.

Hearing Ling Buyi’s brief, clean commanding voice outside the carriage, the light cavalry smartly cracked their whips and set out. Ban Jia sniffled with his delicate nose, shrinking into a corner. Cheng Shaogong leaned against the carriage wall, pretending to doze. Who knew he hadn’t slept long when someone came calling from outside the carriage.

“Third Young Master, Third Young Master!” A Cheng manor attendant lowered his voice, squeezing into the carriage. “This one saw the young lady and Lord Ling climb into the carriage ahead—only the two of them inside!”

Cheng Shaogong’s eyes snapped open, saying nervously: “They were riding horses just fine! Lord Ling is still the army commander, how could he…” Right, army commanders could also get into carriages!

He couldn’t bother asking more. Pushing open the carriage door, he placed one foot on the running board, using the bounce to leap nimbly onto the back of the horse the attendant held with his other hand. Then squeezing the horse’s belly with both legs, he rode off in a cloud of dust.

Ban Jia watched from inside the carriage, dumbstruck. He thought this Cheng Shaogong was a year younger than himself, generally gentle in behavior. Who knew his skills were so formidable—truly deserving the description “still as a virgin, moving like a fleeing rabbit.” Pure and kind-hearted since childhood, he didn’t know why Cheng Shaogong was running so fast. After hesitating a while, he also had an attendant bring a horse and followed.

Cheng Shaogong, panting heavily, caught up to the huge black iron carriage at the very front of the column. Disregarding the shocked expressions of the guards and driver at the carriage head, he threw himself directly from the saddle onto the carriage door. Liang Qiqi had already clasped a cold short blade in his palm, but seeing it was Cheng Shaogong, he couldn’t strike to kill.

Cheng Shaogong crashed headlong into the carriage. Inside was only one man and one woman. The handsome young man had his robe half-open, revealing a beige inner garment and fair, firm chest with a striking blood mark like red silk wrapped in snow. The young lady had one hand clutching his robe sleeve, the other holding a fine linen handkerchief. Looking more closely, Ling Buyi’s left palm rested on the girl’s waist while his right hand grasped the girl’s small hand on his shoulder sleeve.

“What are you doing!” Cheng Shaogong felt his hundred convergence acupoint was steaming and smoking.

Shaoshang quickly pushed Ling Buyi away a bit, her cheeks flushed: “Lord Ling’s injury hasn’t healed. I, I’m changing his medicine…” Applying medicine was indeed applying medicine, though there was also cheek-to-cheek intimacy. She wasn’t bold enough to make any substantial moves—just limited to meaningful glances, flirting without consummation.

Cheng Shaogong saw the handkerchief in his sister’s hand indeed had medicine powder on it. The misunderstanding removed, fear arose.

When he first crashed into the carriage in his haste, he’d glimpsed that Ling Buyi’s lowered expression was extremely gentle, like unbroken azure clouds hanging to the earth, his fair face showing a lingering blush. But now, his throat rolled slightly, his eyes originally like autumn waters contained hidden anger—fire about to erupt from beneath the water.

“It’s like this…” Cheng Shaogong slowly shrank behind his twin sister, forcing calmness. “Regarding this case, I thought of something… Ah, Young Marquis Ban has also arrived—please board, please board!”

Heaven and earth were not as important as his own life. Since childhood he’d grown accustomed to reading situations under Lady Xiao’s hand. Now without asking, he grabbed the head-poking Ban Jia outside and hauled him into the carriage—with more people, he felt safer.

Ling Buyi slowly gathered his robe, then pulled the girl to sit closer to himself before saying coldly: “What insights does Third Young Master have? Please speak freely.”

What insights could Cheng Shaogong have? Fortunately his reaction was fairly quick. He immediately said: “I thought about it last night—since that Yan Zhong defected to the enemy and rebelled, he must have needed someone to make the introduction. I guess what Uncle Wan saw that day at Cascading Water Shrine was Yan Zhong meeting with Peng the rebel’s emissary! That’s right, it must be so!”

The corner of Ling Buyi’s mouth pulled into a mocking smile: “That’s all?”

Cheng Shaogong said awkwardly: “…Yes.”

“Just these two sentences also required Third Young Master to desperately crash into the carriage regardless of everything. You’ve worked hard.” Ling Buyi said lightly. “Since we’ve mentioned this matter, I also have several puzzling points. Please Third Young Master and Young Marquis deliberate together.”

Cheng Shaogong repeatedly said he dared not. Ban Jia timidly didn’t dare respond.

“First, Governor Wan encountered Yan Zhong meeting someone at Cascading Water Shrine four months ago, yet he only started being assassinated last month? Why is this?”

Cheng Shaogong couldn’t answer. Ban Jia guessed: “Perhaps it took until last month to gather the manpower?”

Shaoshang’s face finally wasn’t red anymore. She thought, then answered: “Two months to gather manpower? No, it’s because at that time neither Yan Zhong nor the other person recognized Uncle Wan. Uncle always loves to dress richly—they probably thought he was a passing merchant, so they didn’t take it to heart then.”

“Then why did they start assassinating Uncle last month?” Cheng Shaogong said.

Shaoshang said: “Because last month they saw Uncle again and learned he was Xu prefecture governor. Serving in the same court, what if they encountered him and were recognized? Naturally they could only silence him.”

Ling Buyi’s eyes showed approval: “Well said. I thought the same. But this leads to the second difficulty. Yan Zhong’s defection with Tongniu is known to all. If four months ago they wanted to kill Governor Wan to silence him for fear he’d leak secrets, that would make sense. But by early last month, Yan Zhong had already fled. Why bother killing Governor Wan? Whether they kill him or not, everyone knows he colluded with Peng the rebel. Why the extra effort?”

Cheng Shaogong and Ban Jia were somewhat confused. Shaoshang looked up at the carriage ceiling, suddenly saying: “…So that day, the one surnamed Yan might not have been meeting Peng the rebel’s people, but someone else who couldn’t be recognized by Uncle Wan!”

Ban Jia lightly clapped: “Lady Cheng speaks well!”

Ling Buyi smiled: “Exactly. Next is the third matter, also something I still can’t figure out. Yan Zhong is no mediocre, incompetent person. If he wanted to secretly meet someone, there are plenty of ways to disguise it. Why must he ride that blue ox, yellow ox cart? The two places aren’t far—riding a horse would take half a day. Even if he couldn’t afford to buy a horse, he’d have money to rent one at the market. But if their meeting was open and aboveboard, why must it be in such a remote shrine?”

Cheng Shaogong said: “Perhaps both Yan Zhong and that person are devoted believers in Daoist methods, making an appointment to go worship at the shrine together?”

Ling Buyi glanced at him, feeling this question didn’t merit a response.

Ban Jia said: “Perhaps the other person was traveling, so County Magistrate Yan crossed two prefecture boundaries to actively meet him?”

Ling Buyi said: “That’s possible. But if rushed for time, shouldn’t Yan Zhong have ridden a horse even more?”

Shaoshang thought of a possibility and smiled: “Perhaps that surnamed Yan simply can’t ride a horse—like Young Marquis Ban, just a weak scholar.”

Ban Jia quickly protested: “I can ride a horse! I can also shoot arrows and use a sword! If you don’t believe me, I’ll hunt some game for you later!”

Cheng Shaogong complained: “What are you saying? How could there be scholars who can’t ride horses and shoot arrows? They’re part of the six arts—everyone must learn them.”

Shaoshang froze, realizing she’d become disconnected again.

Scholars of this era weren’t like scholars of later generations. Even Confucian scholars and literati who spent all day debating classics in论经台could almost all wield swords and shoot arrows. When encountering mountain bandits, they could cut down several. Naturally, when fights broke out in schools, they were quite fierce too. It was said that several tutors at the Imperial Academy were contemporary sword masters—trained through years of suppressing student brawls.

“Then what exactly is the reason?” She was bewildered.

Ling Buyi said: “When we reach Tongniu County, perhaps we’ll all know.”