The dinner invitation had merely been a cover story all along.
Today at Wangqiu Tower, there was a grand gathering arranged for Master Huo Ba. These three masterminds had deliberately gathered together to await the results of their scheme.
“Mei Shan, how did it go?” Xu Jiu was naturally the most concerned about the outcome.
Mo Zi, however, habitually observed first. She quickly noticed Mei Shan’s poor complexion—he was breaking out in cold sweat and his steps were unsteady. Could the scheme have failed, or had something unexpected happened?
“Ninth… Ninth Master, Eighth Master he…” Seemingly frightened, Mei Shan’s lips trembled slightly.
Now even Xu Jiu could see something was wrong. He shouted forcefully, “Speak quickly! What happened to Old Eight?”
“Eighth Master is dead.” Finally, Mei Shan could no longer stand. His legs gave way and he collapsed to his knees on the ground.
Mo Zi naturally understood what this meant, but she couldn’t remain seated. She shot up, unable to help asking, “Huo Ba is dead?”
“Bullshit!” Xu Jiu swept aside the table before him. Cups, plates, wine dishes—everything crashed and shattered on the floor. “We arranged a honey trap for him, not an assassination plot. Even if officials were involved, they couldn’t execute him on the spot.”
“It wasn’t government officials, but the personal retainers of Prince Li’s mansion’s young county prince Wu Lianqi.” Under Mo Zi and Cen Er’s arrangements, Mei Shan had entered Wangqiu Tower early to monitor the situation closely in case things went wrong, allowing for contingencies.
“How did Wu Lianqi end up there too?” Xu Jiu was stunned.
“Not just Wu Lianqi, but also his own sister, County Princess Qingchi Wu Youyan. The siblings came together with Changniang. Originally, I thought today’s scheme had failed. But unexpectedly, on Changniang and the county princess’s way to Yunge Terrace, they still encountered Eighth Master. County Princess Qingchi is breathtakingly beautiful—how could Eighth Master let her pass? After making a few frivolous remarks, he actually tried to put his hands on County Princess Qingchi. The county princess naturally called for help. When Wu Lianqi arrived with his men, in his rage he revealed their identities. After Eighth Master learned who they were, it was too late to beg for mercy. He fought desperately, trying to escape. Wu Lianqi’s personal retainers are all elite fighters, capable of taking on ten men each, and they were numerous. Within a few exchanges, they ran Eighth Master through the chest. Along with Eighth Master’s trusted followers, all were killed.” Mei Shan said it all in one breath.
Xu Jiu’s eyes went blank. His body swayed unsteadily before he collapsed into his seat, mumbling, “How could this happen?”
His original intention had only been for Huo Ba to offend high officials, get on the government’s blacklist, and lose his qualifications to compete for the gang leader position. But he never imagined that a honey trap exploiting Huo Ba’s lecherous nature would cost Huo Ba his life. Though Huo Ba was certainly no good person, the two brothers had struggled together for many years. He wasn’t vicious enough to want Huo Ba dead—otherwise he wouldn’t have delayed taking action for so long.
“Ninth Master, please accept this change with fortitude. Huo Ba was the old gang leader’s sworn son. For the old to bury the young is already the most sorrowful thing, especially when the old gang leader has been gravely ill for many days. The only plan now is to quickly return to the gang to maintain order.” Yuan Cheng remained seated calmly, his expression unchanged.
Mo Zi narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Indeed, Ninth Master. Right now, you’re the only one who can lead the gang members. You must hurry back to prevent others from impulsively seeking trouble with Prince Li’s mansion and bringing catastrophic destruction upon the gang.” The Leopard Gang lacked brains but had no shortage of impulsive righteousness. Though Huo Ba usually played his cards well, losing his life like this was somewhat deserved—but that didn’t guarantee there wouldn’t be gang members wanting revenge.
Xu Jiu stood up abruptly again. His grief-stricken expression had turned resolute. Sweeping his robe aside, he strode forward while cupping his hands toward Yuan Cheng and Mo Zi. “You two, Xu Jiu must go handle this matter first. We’ll talk another day.”
Mei Shan scrambled up, gave Yuan Cheng a deep bow, and hurried after Xu Jiu.
After Xu Jiu had completely disappeared, Mo Zi slowly settled back into a cross-legged position, gazing at Yuan Cheng.
The latter smiled back at her. “Brother Mo, please speak your mind.”
Mo Zi truly had questions for him. “Xu Jiu said you single-handedly arranged for Changniang to go to Wangqiu Tower. Your relationship with Changniang is—”
“Old acquaintances.” Two words.
Mo Zi pursed her lips. He really had many old acquaintances—the Mackerel Gang’s Lu Man, and also Prince Li’s concubine. That Jin Yin was probably also someone he knew.
“Did Changniang know the role she was to play?” The role of being molested by Huo Ba, then going back to cry grievances to Prince Li.
“Naturally.” Two words again.
“Since she knew what would happen, why did she bring the county princess along without notifying you that things had changed? If she’d told us, Huo Ba wouldn’t have died today.” Mo Zi had no good impression of Huo Ba, but deeply influenced by a society governed by law, she always felt that private combat ending in death was an extreme action.
“Everything proceeded according to plan. What change are you referring to?” Yuan Cheng’s eyes were as deep as midnight.
Mo Zi’s hand shook, spilling wine onto the dark red table surface. “Yuan Cheng, the beauty in this scheme was originally the county princess?”
“Changniang is merely a minor concubine. Even if Prince Li dotes on her greatly, offending a jianghu gang for her sake would require careful consideration. However, Wu Youyan is different—with the county princess’s noble status and being deeply loved by her father and brother. If Huo Ba had no eyes and dared to be insolent before her, then his life was forfeit. He can’t blame anyone else.” Indeed, Changniang was merely the thread pulling the needle.
“If this scheme hadn’t worked, there would be a next time, and another time—you’d keep setting traps until Huo Ba died?” Only now did Mo Zi understand that Yuan Cheng and Xu Jiu weren’t thinking along the same lines at all.
“Does Brother Mo think Huo Ba is that stupid? If this scheme had failed, the one to die would be Xu Jiu. Since ancient times, the victor becomes king and the defeated becomes bandit—it’s kill or be killed. If Xu Jiu spared Huo Ba’s life, he would inevitably become a future disaster. Even you and I would be implicated.” Yuan Cheng saw further than Xu Jiu, and more ruthlessly.
“You feared Xu Jiu wouldn’t agree, so you kept even him in the dark. But Mei Shan knew.” Mo Zi could see the gratitude in Mei Shan’s bow to Yuan Cheng before leaving. “This person is loyal to Xu Jiu. When he tells Xu Jiu the truth in the future, Yuan Cheng, aren’t you afraid Xu Jiu will turn against you?”
Yuan Cheng laughed heartily. “Brother Mo, Xu Jiu values loyalty and didn’t wish to see his brother die, but don’t forget—he also has ambition. At this moment, he grieves over his brother’s death, but in the future, as leader of the Leopard Gang, even if he learns the truth, could he publicly admit he once schemed against his own brother? Besides, if Xu Jiu turns against me, why should I fear? I didn’t know him before. He sent me generous gifts, I responded to his request and helped him once. He never said to preserve Huo Ba’s life. Whether Huo Ba lives or dies, the Leopard Gang leader position is already in his grasp. The objective was successfully achieved.”
“Mei Shan…” Mo Zi suddenly thought of a possibility. “Could he also be an old acquaintance of yours?” That would explain how he could so easily connect with Xu Jiu.
“Brother Mo really overestimates me.” Yuan Cheng shook his head with a smile. “Both Mei Shan and Xu Jiu—I met them for the first time together. However, Mei Shan is a strategist after all, thinks more thoroughly than Xu Jiu. He sought a private audience with me, wanting to eliminate Huo Ba completely.”
“You two hit it off perfectly—a honey trap sending someone to the underworld. Poor Xu Jiu, still thinking he was just dampening Huo Ba’s momentum without bearing the infamy of fratricidal conflict.” Mo Zi felt a chill on the back of her neck. Had she been naive, voluntarily joining forces with Yuan Cheng? Being with him gave her this feeling—as if only one’s own life was precious while others’ lives were worthless.
“Brother Mo, not necessarily. Sparing the other’s life doesn’t mean it’s not fratricide. From the moment Xu Jiu agreed to your method, using a woman to lure Huo Ba, he couldn’t escape this fratricide in his heart. Since the intention exists, better to be ruthless—otherwise you harm yourself and gain a reputation for sinister motives.” Yuan Cheng stepped forward, bent his knees and bowed, pouring a cup of wine for Mo Zi and personally handing it to her.
“The pot calling the kettle black?” Everyone was scheming against unfortunate Huo Ba, merely to different degrees.
Mo Zi held the wine cup in both hands. “Yuan Cheng, is this wine your way of apologizing?” She too had been kept in the dark.
“To toast Brother Mo for us sitting in the same boat from now on.” Apologize? How naive. More like dragging her into the water. “Brother Mo, if you need my help operating the shipyard, just ask.”
Mo Zi laughed cunningly. “Would this help require me to send generous gifts? Only, I’m poor.”
“How can Brother Mo compare yourself to those who come seeking my help? Brother Mo is my friend, and I am Brother Mo’s friend. Friends help each other—naturally no upfront gift is needed. After things are done, a thank-you gift will suffice.” Yet Yuan Cheng smiled so innocently.
Mo Zi really wanted to spray the wine in her mouth all over his head and face, but for her own safety, she forced it down. “I don’t understand the rules. May I ask how this thank-you gift is calculated?”
“There are no rules. It depends on Brother Mo’s degree of gratitude toward me. As they say, ‘sincerity’—it’s merely what’s in the heart.” Yuan Cheng took an empty cup, filled it, clinked it with Mo Zi’s, and drained it in one gulp. “Brother Mo can decide.”
Mo Zi’s smile cramped. “I’ll try not to trouble you.” Kidding—how many taels of silver would sincerity translate into as a thank-you gift? He was so expensive.
“Brother Mo, please don’t stand on ceremony with me.” Taking in her amusing expression, Yuan Cheng stepped back and returned to his seat.
“Won’t be formal, won’t be formal. From now on, who knows how many places I’ll need this good friend’s help—I’m afraid you’ll find me annoying. We’ll take it slowly.” She herself was a walking bundle of trouble. The shipbuilding matter counted as her specialty—currently she was fairly confident about it.
Take it slowly? Yuan Cheng raised an eyebrow. Was she foreseeing future troubles? She seemed like a ball of mysteries. Could he unravel them?
Ming Nian came to report that the carriage and horses were ready and they could depart.
“I hear Mingshan Temple’s Ten-Li Lantern River is famous far and wide, most lively during the Qiqiao Festival. If you find my residence dull, and Brother Mo happens to be free, would you be willing to tour it with me?” Originally, after success, Xu Jiu was supposed to host a meal, causing Yuan Cheng to decline many social obligations. Who knew this person would suddenly lose interest, leaving him with unexpected leisure.
Mo Zi thought about it. If she went back now, there probably wouldn’t be anyone at the villa anyway. The Ten-Li Lantern River sounded quite nice. Following Yuan Cheng, she should be able to enjoy herself—food and drink guaranteed. She was dressed in men’s clothing and never minded the distinction between men and women anyway, so she nodded in agreement.
Leaving Yuan Manor, Mo Zi rode in the same carriage as Yuan Cheng. She saw Huayi leading out a squadron of men, each one full of vigor.
“Are these all Qianniu Guards?” She asked naturally.
“Brother Mo has good eyes.” He answered just as naturally.
Mo Zi sat at one end. The scene in the carriage was reminiscent of when she’d rescued Yuan Cheng out of the city.
“Though you’re no longer wearing prison clothes, you’re less at ease than when you sat in my cart wearing them.” Every outing required an escort. “However, with such good treatment, don’t let your guard down and reveal all your secrets. Always keep a few to preserve your life.”
Yuan Cheng inwardly sighed at her careful thinking, though his face remained serene as clouds and light as wind. He asked if she liked solving lantern riddles, whether she wanted to compete on who could solve more, casually chatting about idle matters.
Night spread its ink across the paper, painting stars like a river, tying jade into bridges—a brilliant scene.