Lou Ben looked at the people below, his face full of smiles. Though he clearly saw Wan Songbai and his servant, he seemed to harbor no grudge, saying openly and magnanimously: “I presume to say I know Zisheng, but regrettably we’ve never had the opportunity for deep conversation. Since fortune brings us together today, why don’t I offer a cask of wine so you and I can talk at length?”

Wan Songbai still couldn’t grasp the situation, muttering questions about what was really going on. Shaoshang didn’t want to participate in the “deep conversation” between Ling and Lou, so she planned to lead everyone to a secluded spot to explain in detail, only hoping not to hurt Uncle Wan’s fragile heart. Who knew that Ling Buyi had already loudly accepted Lou Ben’s invitation and casually picked up Shaoshang to take her upstairs.

Wan Songbai and the others could only follow the guards to settle in and rest first.

Shaoshang lifted her skirt to climb the stairs while apologizing with a smile: “You men discuss business—I’m just a woman, better to avoid it.”

Ling Buyi said nothing, carrying her upstairs like bringing a grass carp into the kitchen.

Arriving at the second-floor private room, Liang Qiqi and a team of guards dispersed the surrounding guests and secured the doors and windows, leaving only Ling, Lou, and Cheng inside.

Seeing Shaoshang had also come, Lou Ben froze slightly, then bowed with spread sleeves in greeting: “Zisheng, Lady Cheng, please be seated.”

Ling Buyi smiled slightly, saying with light mockery: “Ziwei has good composure. I only hope you can remain this calm later.”

Lou Ben turned: “Lady Shaoshang, speaking of it, you and I are connected by fate—we nearly became family. If not for the He family incident, you’d have to call me uncle-in-law.”

Shaoshang’s mouth felt bitter, thinking that if he knew he’d caught Ling Buyi’s attention precisely because he went to the Cheng family to drink betrothal wine, he probably wouldn’t be so polite.

Ling Buyi stopped smiling, saying coldly: “Years ago the tyrannical emperor wanted to take a Lou family woman into the palace. The person was already en route when fortunately the righteous army first attacked the tyrannical emperor’s secondary capital. By that logic, the Lou family and the tyrannical emperor also nearly became family.”

Lou Ben smiled: “It’s currently the depth of winter. Why does Zisheng have such a fiery temper? Come, come, sit down first.”

Shaoshang: “I feel a bit stuffy. I’ll stand by the window.” Her fiancé was rather combustible—she needed to be careful with fire.

Lou Ben turned to ladle wine from the cask. When he turned back, he held a wide-mouthed, double-eared bronze vessel, smiling: “This pure wine is mellow and sweet. Zisheng, please taste it.”

“I don’t care for wine.” Ling Buyi raised his hand to politely decline. “Let’s discuss business instead.”

“Business?” Lou Ben slowly set down the bronze vessel, a smile at the corner of his mouth. “Two days ago we achieved great victory at Shouchen. Pity Zisheng wasn’t there, or you could have established another great merit.”

Ling Buyi was silent for a moment before saying: “I heard that during this time you’ve repeatedly produced ingenious strategies—whether field battles or siege warfare, you’ve been invincible and unstoppable. Now everyone says you, Ziwei, are unparalleled in the realm.”

Lou Ben said: “This isn’t the ‘business’ Zisheng wants to discuss with me.”

Ling Buyi said: “Yesterday I already submitted an urgent memorial to His Majesty. The corpses of former Tongniu County Magistrate Yan Zhong’s entire household have been discovered beneath Wangfeng Pavilion outside the city—thus it seems the matter of Yan Zhong defecting to the enemy bears reconsideration.”

Lou Ben looked as if hearing this for the first time: “Oh, there’s such a thing? But isn’t Zisheng being hasty? Even if Yan Zhong’s family died, that doesn’t mean Yan Zhong didn’t defect to the enemy. Moreover, with great battles imminent and everyone busy planning defensive strategies, Zisheng actually went around investigating a suspect who stole copper and abandoned his city?”

Ling Buyi’s voice carried mockery: “With great talent like Ziwei strategizing for the war effort, naturally I can spare time to investigate the Yan family case.”

Lou Ben put away his smile. Shaoshang paced by the window, very much wanting to climb along the outer wall and escape the building.

“Since Zisheng speaks so definitively that the Yan Zhong enemy defection case has hidden circumstances, I’m all ears.” Lou Ben said.

Ling Buyi said: “At some point, Yan Zhong befriended a scion of a great family. The two hit it off and conversed happily, but others in the county didn’t know…”

“If no one knew, how do you know that person was a scion of a great family?”

“If that person had ordinary origins like Yan Zhong, Yan Zhong wouldn’t need to conceal it—he could openly bring him to the county and introduce him to his family. Years ago when Yan Zhong acted precipitously, he was severely dealt with by aristocratic clans. Being stubborn by nature, he still resents it. Fearing people would say he was yielding and submitting to the aristocracy, he always concealed his friendship with that great family scion.”

Lou Ben smiled: “Zisheng thinks carefully. Mm, this interpretation works. Lord Ling, please continue.”

“Yan Zhong and that great family scion would occasionally meet in desolate places to discuss current affairs and ambitions, finding each other very compatible.” Ling Buyi continued. “Both coincidentally hoped not to be seen, but that great family scion had ulterior motives while Yan Zhong’s was due to his stubborn nature. So each time they met, that great family scion traveled light with a single horse, while Yan Zhong, though not wanting outsiders to know, didn’t deliberately disguise himself—just chose small roads.” Which is why he carelessly continued using the blue ox, yellow ox cart.

“Since these two have been friends for so long, were there no letters left behind?” Lou Ben asked.

Ling Buyi shook his head: “I don’t know the reason—perhaps the two never wrote letters, perhaps the correspondence was destroyed. In any case, I found not a single word in Yan Zhong’s residence.”

“Since you can’t find even a single word, how can Zisheng rely on personal speculation to assert the existence of such an imaginary great family scion?” Lou Ben mocked.

Ling Buyi remained unperturbed: “Naturally it’s not just my personal speculation, because four months ago at Cascading Water Shrine, Xu Prefecture Governor Wan Songbai saw this person.”

Lou Ben couldn’t quite smile anymore.

Ling Buyi said: “Actually it’s not that no one ever saw Yan Zhong gathering with aristocratic friends, but since the meeting places were remote, those who glimpsed them were only village men and farm women. Such common people far from court seeing them doesn’t matter, but Governor Wan is different… Now that matters are urgent, when I free up time and spread out manpower to inquire carefully, I’ll always find rural common people in fields or mountains who’ve seen Yan Zhong with that great family scion. What does Ziwei think?”

Lou Ben’s expression darkened: “Fine, suppose Yan Zhong indeed had such a great family friend.”

“Last month when Marquis Cui’s army arrived, Governor Wan led people to line the road in welcome. That great family scion saw him in the crowd and realized he’d left a huge hidden danger. You see, some matters—if no one mentions them, all is well. But once someone thinks of them, flaws inevitably appear everywhere. So these past days, Governor Wan has been repeatedly assassinated, nearly losing his life several times.”

Ling Buyi said seriously: “Ziwei, I ask you—do you or don’t you know Yan Zhong?”

The room fell quiet. Shaoshang secretly looked over, seeing Lou Ben with one hand tucked in his sleeve, seemingly clenching a tight fist, his other hand gripping a corner of the table so hard his knuckles turned white.

After a long while, Lou Ben suddenly smiled broadly, saying heartily: “I do know Yan Zhong. So what? I saw he had strategic ability but regrettably, though full of ambition, had no way to display his grand plans, so I often met with him. But regarding his private activities, I knew absolutely nothing.”

—This was the problem. Even if they could confirm Lou Ben and Yan Zhong were friends, they couldn’t definitively say Yan Zhong’s actions were at his instigation.

But Ling Buyi’s response was excellent. He said: “That’s right, just as I also know you, Ziwei, but regarding your activities I also know absolutely nothing. When future imperial edicts come down and blades fall, it will have nothing to do with me.”

Shaoshang heard that table corner creaking and secretly hoped Lou Ben wouldn’t cough up blood in anger.

“In the end, that Yan Zhong ultimately didn’t defend Tongniu County to the death but abandoned the city, stole copper and fled. What’s the point of Zisheng implicating me?” Lou Ben’s tone gradually sharpened. “‘Born of greed and desire, my heart bears guilt’—everyone heard about these eight characters Yan Zhong wrote. Clearly they’re his innermost confession of his crimes. Now that his evidence of guilt is solid, why does Zisheng keep pursuing this?!”

“If someone hadn’t repeatedly tried to assassinate territorial officials and court ministers, I wouldn’t keep pursuing this matter.” Ling Buyi remained motionless, his body like lofty mountains and peaks.

“Fine, fine! Then how should Zisheng explain those eight characters!” Lou Ben sneered.

“Three months ago when Peng Zhen raised troops in rebellion, several counties in eastern Chen prefecture all fell to the bandits. Just as Tongniu County was tottering, someone told Yan Zhong there was a good strategy to protect his elderly mother and young children’s safety. Given Yan Zhong’s nature, he should have defended the city to the death with his whole family. But at that time Yan Zhong’s heart wavered, which is why he unprecedentedly asked the county deputy how to settle wives, children, and elderly—the ‘greed and desire’ he wrote about wasn’t fear of death or greed for wealth, but desire for his elderly mother and young children’s safety! His ‘heart bears guilt’ also wasn’t about inability to defend the city loyally or wanting to defect to the enemy, but guilt over the reputation he’d upheld for decades of sacrificing life for righteousness and family loyalty!”

Outside, gongs and drums thundered. The marketplace erupted in cheers like thunder, deafening. Yet this second-floor private room was quiet as the deep sea—beneath the surface, thrilling and shocking with schemes and calculations.

Shaoshang couldn’t help turning to sneak a glance, discovering Lou Ben’s features somewhat resembled Lou Yao’s. But Lou Yao’s brows held straightforward heroic spirit, while his held more calculation and scheming—was it really such a seemingly harmless person who repeatedly sent assassins after Uncle Wan? Truly, appearances deceive.

“Yan Zhong believed this friend’s words, not only entrusting his elderly mother and young children but also entrusting those two thousand catties of refined copper, thinking that even if the city fell and he died in the future, at least with this merit of protecting copper, he could justify himself. Who knew…” Ling Buyi paused. “In the pit dug beneath Wangfeng Pavilion, we found only fragments of winter clothing and fur caps belonging to Yan Zhong’s elderly mother and young children, but none belonging to Yan Zhong’s wives. This is probably the reason.”

“Left Deputy Li Feng should have been bought off beforehand. His use was to widely proclaim Yan Zhong stole copper and defected. After solidifying Yan Zhong’s crime, he had no more use, so he died in prison along with his wife and children.”

Lou Ben smiled in a sinister, mocking way: “Died in prison? Then Zisheng should seek whoever occupied Tongniu County city then. Who was that? Let me think…”

Ling Buyi didn’t wait for his pretense, saying directly: “General Ma Rong. Since tricking his way into the county, he managed all affairs within the county city. But several days ago, he also died.”

Pride and cruelty floated in Lou Ben’s eyes: “That’s truly regrettable—Zisheng’s speculation can only remain speculation… However, being able to so easily trust others, entrusting his family fortune and two thousand catties of refined copper, ultimately ending up dead with his name destroyed—this County Magistrate Yan cannot avoid the crime of carelessness and negligence.”

“This is because County Magistrate Yan couldn’t think of a reason why that great family friend would betray him.” Ling Buyi didn’t yield an inch.

“I pondered this matter for a long time and couldn’t understand it. That Yan Zhong wasn’t some ignorant youth. After years navigating official seas, how could he trust so easily? Until I thought of you, Ziwei—everything suddenly became clear.”

Lou Ben said coldly: “Zisheng, watch your words.”

“Fine, then I’ll rephrase—because County Magistrate Yan couldn’t think of a reason why that aristocratic friend would betray himself or betray the court.”

Ling Buyi said: “County Magistrate Yan’s aristocratic friend must have been like you, Ziwei—not only with an excellent personal reputation and considerable connections in the martial world to provide assistance, but with father and brothers all serving in court, deeply valued by His Majesty. That Peng Zhen was obviously just a temporary troublemaker. Under such circumstances, how could that aristocratic friend go join Peng Zhen? Wouldn’t that be abandoning pearls and jade for grass and weeds?! Therefore, County Magistrate Yan naturally trusted that aristocratic friend completely! I imagine even when his whole family was slaughtered before Wangfeng Pavilion, he still hadn’t figured it out.”

“And that General Ma Rong. I met him several times and knew his character somewhat. Since he took over Tongniu County without committing the slightest offense, quite contrary to his past reputation for bloodlust and greed, now it seems he was waiting for the court to offer amnesty.”

Lou Ben’s face alternated between pale and flushed. After a moment, he forced a smile and asked: “These are all Zisheng’s conjectures. What proof do you have?”

Ling Buyi said: “No proof. Indeed, all is my speculation.”

“You want to convict me based on these speculations?”

“Can’t speak of conviction—just wanted to hear Ziwei’s views.”

Lou Ben laughed coldly: “My view is that Zisheng should stop these wild imaginings and hurry back to Marquis Cui’s camp to receive merit and await rewards.”

Ling Buyi frowned slightly, turning: “Stop pacing. Why haven’t you said a word today?” This was directed at the girl pacing by the window.

Shaoshang stopped, expressionless: “You want me to speak? Fine—” She turned slightly to face Lou Ben.

“Second Young Master Lou, did you or didn’t you deceive County Magistrate Yan into leaving the city with copper, then slaughter the entire Yan family, then frame County Magistrate Yan for defecting and betraying the country, then conspire with that General Ma as inside and outside support? Ultimately, General Ma escaped from Peng the rebel’s camp, abandoning darkness for light, while you gained great merit and rose step by step… Do you admit it or not! Though we have no direct evidence, you’d better just confess!”

—This was why Shaoshang didn’t want to get involved today. Without evidence, they’d first damage relations—ultimately harsh words were inevitable. And to speak honestly, she wasn’t as certain as Ling Buyi. Though she had the same suspicions, what if? What if there was a chance? Wouldn’t that wrongly accuse Lou Ben?!

Hearing Shaoshang’s words, Lou Ben threw back his head and laughed loudly. Ling Buyi’s expression darkened.

When Lou Ben finished laughing, he said: “Fine. Since Zisheng has speculated so much, let me also speculate.” He rose and walked several steps, sleeves gathered, standing upright. After considering a moment, he spoke.

“At that time, Tongniu County was already a small boat in an ocean, clearly unable to be preserved. Yan Zhong couldn’t bear to have his elderly mother and young children suffer together, so he secretly conspired with Ma Rong, intending to exchange two thousand catties of refined copper for his elderly mother and young children’s survival, then return himself to defend the city, counting as serving the country with his life. Who knew Ma Rong was black-hearted and ruthless—he directly killed the entire Yan family, tricked open the city gate, and used this as a path to promotion, exchanging it for future success and glory… Wouldn’t this explanation also work?”

“Ma Rong is already dead. He was originally a bloodthirsty, narrow-minded person—no pity in his death. This explanation both preserves County Magistrate Yan’s loyal and righteous name while not implicating too widely. What does Zisheng think?”

Shaoshang knew this was Lou Ben offering Ling Buyi a way out.

But Ling Buyi said nothing.

Fierce intent surfaced in Lou Ben’s eyes as he said hatefully: “Ling Buyi, though you’re His Majesty’s beloved general, I’m also no unknown person, and the Lou family isn’t yours to knead at will! If you want me to confess based only on these speculations, that’s absolutely impossible!” After these words, his long sleeves fluttered as he forcefully pushed open the private room doors and strode out.

Only Shaoshang and Ling Buyi remained in the room. She twisted around to sit beside him: “What did I tell you? Don’t be impulsive. Everything should be planned before acting…”

“When did you ever say to plan before acting!” Ling Buyi turned hostile. “Weren’t you always obsessed with ferreting out the mastermind behind this?! But as soon as you knew it involved the Lou family, you immediately retreated into your shell!”

Seeing her fiancé’s eyes show fierce light, his slender clenched fingers strong and powerful enough to crush her in an instant, Shaoshang laughed dryly: “I’m being far-sighted. Dealing with Lou Ben doesn’t matter, but what about Grand Coachman Lou? By worldly custom, good fortune may not benefit the whole family, but if there’s disaster, not one family member can escape.”

“When the Crown Prince was young, Grand Coachman Lou was his first teacher, and they’ve always been close. If something truly happens to the Lou family, what should His Highness the Crown Prince do? I’m worrying about these things! We should take the long view…” Shaoshang looked worried about the country and people.

“What long view? You just want to extricate Lou Yao from this quagmire first.” Ling Buyi said mercilessly. “By your logic, if any family is close to the Crown Prince, their children can commit crimes without consequence?! Hmm, Fourth Lady Cheng, I didn’t realize you have the makings of a treacherous minister! My respects!”

Shaoshang’s face burned with the sarcasm, saying angrily: “Then what’s your brilliant solution! Yan Zhong’s whole family is dead, Li Feng and Ma Rong are also dead—there are no witnesses, no physical evidence has been found. Do you really want to ‘bully with power’?—Because I’m higher in official rank than you, more trusted by His Majesty, so whatever I say goes!” She roughened her voice to imitate Ling Buyi.

“No need to bully with power!” Ling Buyi straightened up, smiling proudly. “Evidence I want to obtain has never slipped through my fingers!” His gaze touched the wine vessel Lou Ben had used on the table and angrily kicked over the table.

“In his eyes, the entire Yan family’s women and children were nothing but pigs and dogs—for his career advancement, murder, arson, and treating human life as grass were all acceptable! How can such a person serve in court! To think two years ago I even recommended Lou Ben to His Highness the Crown Prince. Fortunately the Crown Prince didn’t listen to me. This beast who relies on talent to commit crimes and acts without restraint—I will definitely bring him to justice!”