Everyone was about to leave when voices came from the direction of Yunge Terrace.

“On this beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival, we shouldn’t disturb everyone’s spirits, but we have orders from above and tasks to perform—we truly apologize. Please don’t be too alarmed, and don’t move around randomly. Stay where you are to accept questioning and inspection. If everyone cooperates, it won’t take much effort, and you can continue celebrating autumn and admiring the moon shortly.”

Mo Zi heard the voice rising and falling in cadence. She walked over to look—at some point, a row of soldiers wearing waist sabers had appeared on Yunge Terrace. In the middle stood a middle-aged man in an officer’s uniform—he was the one speaking. How nice—the Yunge Terrace she had designed was being utilized quickly by them, turned into a megaphone.

“Sir, may I ask what exactly you’re looking for and investigating?” From one of the artfully arranged pavilions in front of Yunge Terrace came a clear, bright voice.

Mo Zi saw the middle-aged officer suddenly glance to the right, as if seeking someone’s opinion. She stood on tiptoe and craned her neck, but flowers blocked her view. She could only see some people standing on the small path at the entrance to Yunge Terrace, torches burning vigorously.

“Our City Guard has received reports that Daqu people have infiltrated the capital—we don’t know their purpose. We were originally going to implement a city-wide curfew, but because today is Mid-Autumn, we must show human consideration. However, our superiors have ordered us to strictly inspect all restaurants and inns, so Daqu has no opportunity to take advantage.” The middle-aged officer raised his voice again.

It was still the same person with questions, but his voice was heard without seeing him. “I see, no wonder such a formation. Though not all Daqu people are detestable, during such extraordinary times, being careful is indeed good. However, inspection is inspection—military gentlemen, don’t frighten innocent common people. On this major festival, everyone should be harmonious and friendly, which won’t delay official business either.”

Mo Zi heard this voice—the speaker wasn’t old, yet neither humble nor arrogant, speaking with conviction. She couldn’t help but be curious about who the voice belonged to. She looked at Zhao Liang, but he shook his head, indicating he didn’t know.

The middle-aged officer snorted. “I don’t know who’s speaking with such a bold tone. Even if we disturb the people, we’re carrying out the Emperor’s orders. It’s not for unrelated people to interrupt.”

Then another voice rang out, also using refined language. “Our Emperor has always been sympathetic and caring toward the people. Since you’re carrying out the Emperor’s orders, you should know His Majesty’s intentions. I heard what that gentleman just said, and it was perfectly correct. Even when conducting inspections, you should be more cautious. In this Wangqiu Tower, there are many common people, many officials, and even more scholars and students. If we jointly submit a memorial impeaching you for lax governance and bullying with power, that would be a crime. Please lower your attitude somewhat, military gentlemen. Not only are there Ge Qiu young ladies everywhere here, but also young misses and madams from various families—don’t frighten them.”

Hearing this, the middle-aged officer thought, hey, what’s going on here? When they made such a commotion elsewhere, no one dared say a word, but here it was one after another. It was said that Wangqiu Tower was deeply loved by high-ranking officials and nobility in the capital—apparently this wasn’t a rumor. Standing on the stage, he didn’t know who was speaking, but they seemed to have some background, so he didn’t dare offend them. However, soldiers couldn’t appear weak, so without saying more, he cupped his hands and led his men down.

Naturally, the Ge Qius could no longer dance or sing. They all came down from Yunge Terrace and were led by the matrons to wait on the side.

Dynasties during peaceful times usually emphasized civil over military matters. After Dazhou’s Empress Wu, scholars and students submitting joint memorials had already become an established practice. As long as they gathered a hundred signatures, the Emperor had to personally read and approve them. Therefore, even scholars without official titles had certain political power.

However, this was Mo Zi’s first time experiencing such open criticism and enlightenment of military officers. Just listening made her blood boil. Words and language could sometimes be more formidable than swords and blades.

“That second speaker—I recognized him. It’s Young Master Yang Ling, son of Minister Yang from the Ministry of Rites. He’s a regular customer at our establishment. He and his friends are all extremely famous talents in the capital. They love the quiet here. Sometimes with just a pot of tea or wine, they compose poems one after another and even give them to the establishment’s musicians, specifically requesting the Ge Qius to sing them. However, don’t let his frequent visits fool you—his behavior is very proper, not at all frivolous like today’s literati.”

The son of the Vice Minister of Rites? Mo Zi felt she had heard of this person somewhere before.

“What should we do now?” Wuyou came to ask. “Are we still going out or not?”

“No, you all stay here. They’ll probably come inspect each private room one by one. This way, no one can fabricate accusations saying we’re harboring spies and fleeing from guilt. I’ll go find the head steward myself. From what that officer said, they probably won’t stay long. I’ll be right back.” Mo Zi told Zhao Liang to leave with her.

Wuyou reminded her, “You’d better wear men’s clothing for convenience. Those are the Emperor’s officers, not jianghu men.”

Mo Zi’s consciousness about disguising as a man was getting lower and lower now. Hearing Wuyou’s words, she realized they made sense. She quickly asked Zhao Liang to find a set of steward’s men’s clothes, went to the inner room to change, and came back out.

Seeing her, Xu Jiu immediately called himself previously blind, making Wang Kun and his group laugh heartily. They all teased him, telling him to quickly kidnap her and take her home.

Mo Zi saw Wuyou wink at her and purse her lips. She could roughly understand her meaning—she raised her eyebrows and shook her head to indicate she wasn’t afraid or worried, then left.

Fu Tian was beside Wuyou. Hearing her sigh with twists and turns, he asked, “Why are you sighing?”

Wuyou smiled at the man she loved, so radiantly it dazzled him. “I envy her—unlike us women who imprison ourselves in cages, she flies so high.”

“She will eventually bow down for her man too.” Fu Tian gently grasped Wuyou’s hand. “You don’t need to envy her. I’ve already persuaded Xiujuan. She’ll consider letting you enter the household, though becoming an equal wife will probably take some more time. By year’s end, I’ll definitely bring you home.”

Wuyou withdrew her hand and said, “No rush. After struggling all these years, I’m also tired. Whether or not I enter your family’s door—let me think about it some more.”

Fu Tian’s steady expression showed cracks because of this. Over these years, Wuyou had frequently lost her temper over yielding to his first wife Xiujuan. Now suddenly not caring—could it be she was planning to give up on him? Thinking this, his face darkened.

Seeing this, Wuyou only pretended not to see. She sat back at the table alone to drink.

As for Mo Zi, she followed Zhao Liang to find Cen Er, but the attendants said one thing then another, making the two run around like headless flies, finding nothing everywhere. Finally, they walked to the back garden.

The back garden was where the Ge Qius normally lived and practiced their arts. Idle people were forbidden from entering—even Cen Er needed Qin Gugu’s permission beforehand. At this time, the arched gate was tightly closed. Besides two flower lanterns, there was no other light. The Capital Guard’s torches hadn’t searched here yet.

“Brother Mo, it’s so quiet here, there shouldn’t be anyone. Let’s search elsewhere.” As Zhao Liang spoke, he walked in another direction.

The back garden gate made a thudding sound.

Mo Zi’s eyes narrowed.

Zhao Liang also heard it and immediately turned back, somewhat nervous. “Brother Mo, there shouldn’t be anyone in this back garden. Qin Gugu said all the Ge Qius would perform tonight and brought them all out.”

“Not even a gatekeeper woman?” Mo Zi asked carefully.

“It’s a reunion festival. Those who could be released went home, otherwise they’re watching the excitement up front. Who would stay in the back, so desolate and lonely?” Though Zhao Liang said this, he wasn’t entirely certain.

Mo Zi stepped forward and slapped the door with her palm. “Is anyone there? Open the door.”

Zhao Liang quickly pulled Mo Zi back. “Brother Mo, aren’t you afraid it’s the person the Capital Guard is looking for?”

“If someone is really hiding in the back, we need to proactively find them out, otherwise the authorities will think we’re harboring spies.” Mo Zi had only a little bit of martial skills, but her courage was quite large.

“Open the door! Who’s inside?” She went to knock again, using force, making clanging sounds.

Zhao Liang could only let her, while simultaneously calling out two guards for backup.

“Who’s knocking?” A hoarse voice asked timidly.

“There really is someone?” Zhao Liang was startled and said to Mo Zi, “Could it be someone who’s sick and didn’t come out?”

“You answer her.” Mo Zi said in a low voice.

Zhao Liang then said, “I’m Manager Zhao from the establishment. There are officers here to inspect. Please open the door.”

The door creaked open. A woman stood under the dim light circle, head lowered, slightly curtsying. “Manager Zhao, there’s only me inside. The other sisters are all up front.”

Mo Zi walked in.

The back garden was quite large, divided into four courtyards with many wing rooms and winding corridors leading inward.

Zhao Liang said he would take the guards inside to look around, leaving only Mo Zi and that woman at the gate.

“Why did you stay behind?” While examining her surroundings, Mo Zi asked. Her voice was somewhat rough to match the men’s clothing.

“This servant wasn’t feeling well today. The matron let this servant rest.” The woman remained timid throughout.

“Did you hear any sounds or see any suspicious people?” Mo Zi turned to look at the woman—her figure was graceful, her posture humble.

“This servant was resting in my room. I only came out when I heard the knocking. I haven’t seen anyone else.” Coughing a few times, the woman leaned against the door frame, appearing delicate and weak.

“Which wing room do you live in? Plum Courtyard or Orchid Courtyard? Ge Qius who specialize in dance live in Plum Courtyard, those who specialize in singing live in Orchid Courtyard.” Mo Zi slowly walked closer to the woman.

“This servant plays instruments and lives in Peach Courtyard.” As if not noticing Mo Zi approaching, the woman answered in a hoarse voice.

“Not a bad answer, but unfortunately you’re lying.” Mo Zi stopped and said with a smile.

The woman trembled. “This servant doesn’t understand what young master is saying.”

“Ge Qius who specialize in instruments do indeed live in Peach Courtyard, but Peach Courtyard is at the very back—you wouldn’t be able to hear the door knocking. You just said you were in your room the whole time and only came out when you heard me knock. But no matter how I think about it, the timing doesn’t add up, unless you were waiting by the door listening for sounds.” Mo Zi saw the firelight drawing closer. “You’re probably not alone. You wouldn’t be hiding in this back area, would you? If—”

Before she finished speaking, four people jumped out from the flower beds on both sides.

Mo Zi frowned. Hey, she was about to say if it was a secret tryst with a lover, how could four people jump out?

One of them, a man in white robes and jade belt wearing fine clothing, had his face covered. With his back to Mo Zi, he pulled the woman disguised as a Ge Qiu while saying one word: kill.

The other three then moved to surround Mo Zi.

The woman looked up, directly at Mo Zi, and immediately cried out, “Yanle, don’t!”

Yanle? Wu Yanle? Mo Zi looked at the man’s back, her gaze momentarily tender.

The man in fine clothing waved his hand, and the three stopped in place. He turned around but didn’t look at Mo Zi, only asking the woman why they couldn’t kill.

The woman suddenly choked up and sobbed.

“Rather than ask her, you might as well ask me.” Mo Zi clasped her hands behind her back, alternately gripping and opening them. “Wu the Chubby Sea.”

The scent of pine resin smoke reached her nose.