Chapter 484 Wei Family Daughter

As dark as night.

Within Xunyang City, some areas were pitch black and the lights were off, while others were brightly lit.

Especially the long street along the Xunyang River in Xunyangfang, lined with restaurants and singing houses, with red lanterns along the street resembling a long dragon.

From the sky, it looks like a red ribbon studded with dazzling gems, tied by immortals to the banks of the Xunyang River.

Xunyang Tower is the most dazzling pearl among them.

The area between Xunyang Ferry and Xunyang Tower was pitch black, with only a few scattered lights and houses.

On a street leading to Xunyang Tower, a luxurious motorcade was traveling, guarded by a group of Xianbei guards on horseback.

The caravan had just bid farewell to Rong Zhen and Ouyang Rong and traveled some distance when, inside the luxurious carriage at the very center, Wei Shaoqi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly asked:

"That kid is Ouyang Lianghan? The upright gentleman who was once called a hidden gem of the Southeast by my great-aunt?"

His expression was calm, the indifference he had shown moments before completely gone.

"That's right."

Wang Lengran frowned and said:

"However, to say he's a true gentleman is not necessarily true. This kid is cunning, not the kind of stubborn blockhead. His so-called outspokenness and courage to speak out might just be a way of deceiving the emperor. The Third Young Master will know this once he gets to know him a little."

"I don't care whether he's deceiving the emperor or not."

Wei Shaoqi closed his eyes and asked again:

"Wasn't Ouyang Lianghan once the magistrate of Longcheng County?"

"Yes, this man was still in office last year. He was promoted later for his meritorious service in flood control. He even pretended to resign from his position as an imperial censor in the capital once."

"Last year, my sixth brother and Mr. Qiu went to Longcheng. He was in Longcheng too, right?"

Wang Lengran glanced at Wei Shaoqi's expression with some surprise. The carriage was traveling on the street, and the surrounding lights fell into the carriage, shining on his face in an uncertain light.

“Yes.” Wang Lengran nodded honestly.

"Did he have any connection with his sixth brother?"

"I don't know... but the Sixth Young Master should have seen him. I heard Boss Li mention him once before. It seems that the Sixth Young Master caught and toyed with this kid, but later he was let go by that good-for-nothing Third Young Master of the Liu family..."

Wei Shaoqi listened quietly.

Wang sighed coldly:

"If only the Sixth Young Master had killed this boy back then, now he's colluded with the Xunyang Prince's mansion and become the Xunyang Prince's lackey and henchman. He's despicable and has ruined our plans time and time again."

He said in a low, sinister voice:

"Third Young Master, you must also be careful of this boy. Do not underestimate him."

Wei Shaoqi chuckled lightly:

"Wang Lengran, your father sent you here. You've been the governor for so long, how come you can't even handle a mere chief clerk like him? You need me to deal with him?"

Wang Lengran immediately lowered his head:

"It is my fault for being useless and failing to live up to the expectations of Your Highness and Young Master. I cannot shirk my responsibility! I beg Your Highness and Young Master to punish me severely!"

The young man in brocade robes, who was merely a fifth-rank prefectural governor of Hongzhou, calmly accepted the pleas for mercy of a prefectural governor and sneered:

"Okay, stop playing the victim."

"I'm not here to deal with these small fry. I don't have that much free time."

Wang Lengran looked expectant as he said:

"Could it be... that the two princes in Luoyang have decided to take action?"

As he spoke, his gaze drifted unintentionally toward the Xunyang Prince's Mansion in the distance, and he made a slicing motion across his neck with his hand.

"no."

Wei Shaoqi shook his head and then gave a brief instruction:

"Everything is as usual at the Xunyang Prince's residence. Let's not alert them for now. What happened last time has already made them wary..."

"I understand, but what brings the Third Young Master here..."

Wang muttered to himself in confusion, then suddenly remembered something and asked in a low voice:

"His Highness previously entrusted me to forward a letter to General Qin... Could it be that it concerns matters at the front lines in Hongzhou...?"

Wei Shaoqi opened his eyes, glanced at Wang Lengran, and said nothing.

But the slightly narrowed eyes sent a chill down Wang Lengran's spine, and he lowered his head, not daring to ask any more questions.

"Third Brother!"

Just then, a gentle female voice suddenly came from the carriage next to them, which was dressed as a noble lady.

"What's wrong, Seventh Sister?"

Wei Shaoqi immediately turned his head, revealing a kind smile and speaking in a gentle tone.

Even Wang Lengran, who was trembling with fear just a second ago, was stunned.

The woman who hadn't appeared inside the car asked with concern:

“The weather in Jiangzhou is colder than in Yangzhou. Third brother, would you like to wear some more clothes? I prepared some for you when I was in Yangzhou.”

Wei Shaoqi shook his head, his tone kind:

"No need, Seventh Sister. But if you're cold, go to your lodgings and put your things away first. Dress warmly. Governor Wang has already prepared our lodgings."

Turning to Wei Shaoqi's smiling face and casting a gentle, questioning glance, Wang Lengran nodded like a chick pecking at rice and led the way:

"Yes, yes, Princess, young master, please follow me, turn left ahead."

"Thank you for your hard work, Lord Wang. If the autumn nights are chilly, you can tell me. I have prepared some extra men's clothing."

"Not cold, not cold. Your gentleness makes me feel like I'm bathed in a spring breeze."

"That's good."

A woman inside the carriage smiled faintly.

Wei Shaoqi smiled back, maintaining his smile, and squinted at the night view of Xunyang outside the car...

One hour later.

The once bustling hall of Xunyang Tower was now quiet, with only two tables set with food and wine, while the rest of the tables were empty.

The two tables of food and drinks were so lavish that they were made with rare ingredients transported from Yangzhou and Qiantang, as well as some out-of-season and out-of-region delicacies.

The Xie-Qin family banquet that Xie Xue'e hosted for Qin Jingzhen last time was probably not this lavish.

There were two tables of food and drinks; the first table was for men, and the second table was for women.

At the first table, besides Wei Shaoqi, the main guest of the night, sat Wang Lengran and his close subordinates, as well as some officials from other places who had pledged allegiance to the Wei family and had come specifically to attend the banquet.

The second table was occupied by the women of the former family members. These women, who were usually lively and talkative, were all quiet and well-behaved at this moment. It was unclear whether they had received stern instructions from the men before coming to the banquet.

Wei Shaoqi was sitting at the head of the first table.

The head seat at the second table was empty.

"Sorry, Seventh Sister might be late changing clothes. Everyone can eat first if you're hungry."

Wei Shaoqi looked around and said in an embarrassed tone.

Everyone smiled awkwardly, but no one touched their chopsticks.

Wang turned his head coldly, glancing out the door every now and then.

A moment later, a green-clad official who often accompanied Wang Lengran hurriedly entered the building, carrying a small wooden box in her arms. Beside her was a group of burly Xianbei guards protecting her closely.

"The item has been delivered, young master. Please see, this is it."

Wang Lengran took the small wooden box and carefully handed it to Wei Shaoqi.

Wei Shaoqi casually opened the wooden box with two fingers and glanced at it.

Inside, there lay a jade ring.

There is a dried bloodstain on the jade ring, and for some reason, no one has bothered to wipe it off.

Wei Shaoqi clicked his tongue in amazement and asked:

"Is this the thing?"

“That’s right, Third Young Master.”

Wang said coldly and seriously:

“These days, our people have been moving around Hongzhou. Fortunately, thanks to the Prince's influence, the generals at the front, including Chief Steward Qin, tacitly allowed us to investigate, which led us to find Zhu Yuheng's body. This ring was found near his body, hidden by the guards. Luckily, our people were quick-witted and found it…”

Wei Shaoqi glanced at the dried bloodstains on the jade ring and nodded:

"What a tragic death."

He turned and nodded with a bright smile:

"They deserve it. Why did Zhu Lingxu and his son have to betray us at this critical juncture? They've betrayed my father's trust!"

Wang sighed coldly, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Wei Shaoqi suddenly pointed to the jade ring and asked everyone:

"However, why would this man, who was perfectly fine, lead his vanguard troops to surrender to the rebels in Hongzhou?"

Everyone remained silent in fear.

"Is he just asking for trouble, turning on the light in the toilet, trying to get himself killed?"

Wei Shaoqi then laughed and said:

"If he had colluded with rebels, that would be one thing, but the funniest thing is that he was beheaded in public by the rebel army of Cai Qin, whom he had defected to. It's the most ridiculous thing in the world."

As the people around listened, they noticed that the tone of the third young master of the Wei Prince's mansion was a bit off.

Wang Lengran asked cautiously:

"Does Your Highness mean there's something fishy going on? Oh, right, I just remembered, I think I saw this jade ring at Zhu Lingxu's place before, but I don't know when it was given to Zhu Yuheng."

Wei Shaoqi lowered his eyes, stared coldly at the jade ring for a while, and then chuckled softly.

He suddenly turned to ask:

"Why hasn't Seventh Sister arrived yet?"

Wang Lengran immediately beckoned to the green-clad official beside him and asked him to go and investigate.

The official in green jogged out the door, but soon returned, running back to the table with a strange expression, and reported:

"Third Young Master, Lord Wang, the Princess's carriage is on the street not far from the building."

"Why didn't you come?" Wang Lengran asked curiously.

"It seems a group of beggars stopped the carriage, begging for food. The princess was distributing food and clothes, and she even... she even..."

"What else is there to give up?"

Wei Shaoqi nodded and asked, his expression seemingly unsurprised.

"She asked me to come and call the Third Young Master, asking if he could have the kitchen at Xunyang Tower prepare more food to send over to those poor people."

"Yes, of course you can, this is a good thing, why can't you?"

Wei Shaoqi smiled and shook his head, stood up, and sighed as he explained to the crowd:

"My cousin's personality has always been like that of her birth mother, Princess Zhao of the Liang Prince's Mansion. She is gentle, kind, and good-natured, and her uncle, Prince Liang, also dotes on her very much."

"Hey, Seventh Sister is truly the jewel of our Wei family, living up to our family tradition of doing good deeds. I wonder which lucky brat will be able to marry my cousin in the future. I'm so envious."

Yes, yes, yes.

"What the Third Young Master says is absolutely right."

"I've long heard that Princess Anhui is kind-hearted and treats the poor well. In Luoyang, there are even poor people burning incense and setting up shrines for her. It's truly a beautiful story..."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"There's just no way to deal with her."

Wei Shaoqi smiled and shook his head, in a good mood, and led Wang Lengran and the others out onto the street.

They immediately saw a luxurious carriage surrounded by beggars. A young lady wearing a purple veil was half-squatting in the carriage, distributing pastries and clothes to the beggars around the carriage along with her maids.

Just then, a night breeze blew away the veil, and everyone immediately saw the face of this gentle and kind Wei woman.

She had a round face, and when she smiled, her dimples were visible. She had a gentle and graceful demeanor, and her appearance was average. She was about twenty years old. Although she was not a stunning beauty, she was still very approachable.

The beggars around them, who had been wolfing down the dates, all knelt down and cried out, "Living Buddha!"

"Third Brother."

Seeing Wei Shaoqi approaching with his men, Wei Anhui asked with concern:

"Could you get some more food from the restaurant? We're almost out of pastries."

"They've prepared it, it'll be delivered in a bit. Cousin, you go inside first, it's cold outside. I'll wait here and help you distribute it. It's not convenient for you, a young woman, to be here alone."

"Okay, Third Brother, remember to give them plenty of hot rice. They've been hungry for a long time, and they can't suddenly eat greasy meat and fish, or they'll get an upset stomach."

"Alright, Seventh Sister, go in quickly."

The somewhat nagging and admonishing Lady Wei entered Xunyang Tower, surrounded by her maids.

Watching her enter the building, Wei Shaoqi turned around.

He sighed as he distributed food and clothing to the beggars:

"You guys are incredibly lucky to have met my cousin. She's too shy to mention it, but as her brother, I have to say that these things can't be given away for nothing. You still have to repay her."

"Honorable sir, what would you like to offer as a token of gratitude to the Bodhisattva?"

A beggar asked cautiously.

Wei Shaoqi smiled and turned to beckon the cold-faced guards beside him:

“Gouge out all their eyes and throw them into the river. Cut off the heads of those who picked up the veil that had touched Seventh Sister’s face and throw them into the river as well.”

"yes."

"By the way, stay away, don't disturb Seventh Sister," he reminded her.

"Yes, sir!"

The Xianbei guards dragged all the wailing beggars out, leaving their clothes and food scattered all over the ground.

One of the beggars struggled free and ran away. Three breaths later, he was trampled underfoot by a Xianbei Qi cultivator who came out from among the guards. His sternum cracked and he coughed up blood.

Wei Shaoqi walked over, drew a jeweled curved knife from the waist of the Xianbei Qi cultivator, and cut off a head.

He casually tossed it into the arms of Wang Lengran, who was sweating profusely beside him, and asked curiously:

"Prefect Wang, have I broken the law?"

"No...no, these ignorant fools offended a noblewoman of the royal family and deserve to die according to the law."

"That's good. You must act impartially and not use back channels."

"Third Young Master, please rest assured..."

Wei Shaoqi smiled, took a red satin handkerchief with gold trim, wiped his hands, and walked towards Xunyang Tower, casually saying:

"The daughter of the Wei family, an unmarried noble lady, is she something you dog eyes are lucky enough to see? Hey, I've discovered that you people are all the kind of people who will become smug if given a little sunshine."

Wei Shaoqi tossed away the blood-stained handkerchief, his face filled with emotion. After a short while, he returned to his seat in the lobby on the first floor.

He smiled and turned to his cousin, who had put her veil back on, and asked her with concern:

"Seventh Sister, the food is getting cold. Eat quickly, we've been waiting for you."

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Third Brother. What happened to your hand? Why is it bleeding?"

"Oh, someone else's blood."

Whose is it?

"It must be the blood on this ring; I just touched it."

"I thought Third Brother was injured. By the way, why is there blood on this ring?"

"They belong to the ring's owner, a pair of worthless things."

"Third Brother, you're not allowed to swear."

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But the owner of this ring is really stupid. Hey, Seventh Sister, it's one thing for them to be stupid, but why did they have to splatter blood on our family?"

"What is Third Brother saying... what do you mean by splashing on us..."

"We need to think of a solution now."

"Then what should we do?"

"What else can we do but wipe it off?"

(End of this chapter)