In that simply furnished yet cozy residence in the capital, Lin Wan'er solemnly recounted to Xiao Yichen the details of the conspiracy she had gleaned from the suspicious outsider. Xiao Yichen listened quietly, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper. A flicker of surprise first crossed his eyes, then was replaced by anger and determination.

"These people are absolutely despicable! To achieve their own goals, they are willing to plunge the entire capital into dire straits." Xiao Yichen slammed his fist on the table beside him, causing the teacups on the table to jump and spill some tea.

Lin Wan'er gently grasped Xiao Yichen's slightly trembling hand, trying to soothe his emotions: "Yichen, don't get agitated. Now that we know about their conspiracy, we can't just sit idly by. We must act quickly and stop them."

Xiao Yichen took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He looked at Lin Wan'er and nodded firmly: "Wan'er, you're right. This is our responsibility. We can't just stand by and watch the capital fall into chaos and the people starve to death in the streets."

The two began to carefully discuss the investigation plan. After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yichen said, "Since Mu's Grain Store is their headquarters, let's start there. I'll send someone to secretly monitor the grain store's every move, to see how their staff come and go and how the grain is transported. Perhaps we can find some clues from that."

Lin Wan'er agreed: "That's a good idea. However, we still need to be careful and not let them notice our actions. Since those people dare to plan such a big conspiracy, they must have some precautions."

“Yes, I will select some agile and cautious people to carry out this task,” Xiao Yichen said. “In addition, we can’t just keep an eye on the grain store. You heard them mention bribing some people before, and we also need to find out these traitors, otherwise they may trip us up behind our backs.”

Lin Wan'er frowned slightly, pondering as she said, "Finding these traitors will not be easy. The capital is so big, with such a large population. We don't know who they've bribed, nor do we know in what ways they might hinder our investigation."

Xiao Yichen paced back and forth in the room, then suddenly stopped and said, "We can start with people involved in the grain trade. For example, grain merchants, grain transport drivers, and officials in charge of managing the grain market. These people are most likely to be colluding with Mu's Grain Store."

“That makes sense.” Lin Wan’er’s eyes lit up. “We can check them one by one to see if they have any unusual behavior or suspicious words or actions.”

“But doing so might alert them,” Xiao Yichen said with some concern. “Once those traitors realize we’re investigating them, they might take action prematurely, destroy evidence, or even harm us.”

Lin Wan'er thought for a moment and said, "Then we can try to find out the situation from the side. For example, we can ask some ordinary people or small vendors for information. They operate in the market and may hear some rumors or see some unusual things. Moreover, these people are relatively easy to approach and are less likely to arouse suspicion."

Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement: "That's a good idea. We can do it in two ways. On one hand, we can send people to monitor Mu's Grain Store, and on the other hand, we can go to the countryside to collect clues."

Therefore, Xiao Yichen immediately arranged for his capable assistants to carry out the task of monitoring Mu's Grain Store. These assistants were all carefully selected by him; they were skilled at concealing their whereabouts and had rich experience in the martial arts world.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er disguised themselves and left their home, blending into the streets and alleys of the capital. They first went to the largest grain trading market in the capital. The market was deserted, with only a few stalls still open, and the price of grain was still prohibitively high.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er pretended to be ordinary customers, strolling around the market and chatting with some small vendors and ordinary people.

"Grandpa, how's your grain business lately?" Xiao Yichen asked an old man selling coarse grains with a smile.

The old man shook his head helplessly: "Alas, what else can we do? In these years of famine, food is scarce to begin with, and prices are ridiculously high, so not many people can afford it. Moreover, the food market has been turbulent lately. I've heard that some grain merchants are playing tricks behind the scenes, deliberately raising prices and hoarding goods for speculation."

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a glance, a thought suddenly occurring to them. Lin Wan'er asked, "Sir, do you know which grain merchants they are?"

The old man lowered his voice and said, "I'm not too sure either. But I heard there's a grain store called Mu's Grain Store that seems to be related to this. They always have a good supply of grain, but the prices are higher than other stores. Also, their owner rarely shows his face, and I don't know who he is."

Xiao Yichen continued, "Sir, have you heard anything about whether Mu's Grain Store is colluding with anyone? Or whether any strange people frequently visit their grain store?"

The old man pondered for a moment and said, "I'm not too sure about that. However, I have heard that some people with accents from other places often hang around their grain store. These people look suspicious and don't seem like good people."

After thanking the old man, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er continued talking with the other merchants and common people. From them, they obtained some scattered information. Although this information was not enough for them to fully uncover the truth of the conspiracy, it provided some direction for their investigation.

For example, some people said they saw grain being delivered to Muji Grain Store late at night, and the vehicles used for delivery were all completely covered up, so they didn't know what was inside. Others said they saw some well-dressed people frequently entering and leaving Muji Grain Store; these people seemed to be of high status, but they didn't know what their relationship was with the grain store.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er recorded all this information. They knew that these seemingly insignificant clues might be the key to solving the mystery.

While gathering clues from the public, Xiao Yichen's men, sent to monitor Mu's Grain Store, also reported back. They discovered that people were frequently coming and going from the store, and most of them were strong, muscular men. These men appeared well-trained, unlike ordinary shop assistants. Furthermore, they noticed a large warehouse in the store's backyard, from which the sounds of heavy objects being moved could often be heard, but the doors and windows were always tightly closed, preventing them from seeing inside.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er analyzed these clues. They speculated that the strong men were likely thugs hired by Mu's Grain Store to protect their grain and prevent anyone from spying on their conspiracy. The warehouse likely contained a large quantity of grain, or other items related to the conspiracy.

"It seems we need to find a way to get into that warehouse and take a look," Xiao Yichen said.

Lin Wan'er said with some worry, "But the Mu Ji Grain Store is so heavily guarded, how are we going to get in? If we force our way in, it will definitely alert them, and we don't know if there are any traps inside."

Xiao Yichen thought for a moment and said, "We can first observe their shift change time and patrol route, find a place with relatively weak defenses, and then think of a way to sneak in."

Therefore, Xiao Yichen arranged for his men to continue monitoring the shift changes and patrols at Muji Grain Store, while he and Lin Wan'er returned home to await further news.

As she waited, Lin Wan'er remained uneasy. She worried about Xiao Yichen's safety and whether they would be able to uncover the conspiracy and save the people of the capital in time.

Xiao Yichen noticed Lin Wan'er's worry. He gently embraced her and comforted her, "Wan'er, don't worry. We will definitely succeed. Although these people are cunning, we are not to be trifled with. As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to defeat them."

Lin Wan'er leaned against Xiao Yichen's chest, feeling his warmth and strength, and her unease gradually dissipated. She knew that no matter how many difficulties and dangers lay ahead, as long as they were together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

A few days later, Xiao Yichen's men finally brought back detailed information about the shift changes and patrols at Mu's Grain Store. They had found a relatively weak point in the defenses—a corner in the backyard of Mu's Grain Store, where a large tree stood, its branches extending to the roof of the warehouse. Furthermore, the guards there would have a brief shift change every night.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er decided to seize this opportunity to infiltrate the warehouse of Mu's Grain Store. They made careful preparations, donned black night clothes, and brought some necessary tools.

Late at night, the capital was shrouded in silence. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er quietly arrived at the backyard of Mu's Grain Store. They hid in the shadows, observing their surroundings. When they saw the guards begin to change shifts, they acted swiftly.

Xiao Yichen used his lightness skill to easily climb the big tree, and then followed the branches to the roof of the warehouse. Lin Wan'er followed closely behind, and the two carefully removed the roof tiles, preparing to enter the warehouse.

Just as they were about to enter the warehouse, they suddenly heard footsteps below. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were startled and quickly lay down on the roof, afraid to move.

They were extremely nervous, unsure if their men below had discovered their presence. The truth of the conspiracy seemed to be right before their eyes, but they faced the danger of being discovered. How would they deal with this unexpected situation?

In the capital city at night, the moonlight was mostly obscured by dark clouds, leaving only a few faint rays of light that barely penetrated the darkness and shone on the silent streets. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, dressed in black, moved like two ghosts through the shadows, speeding towards Mu's Grain Store.

Before long, they arrived at the street where Mu's Grain Store was located. This usually bustling street was unusually deserted at this time, with most shops closed. Only Mu's Grain Store had its doors tightly shut, yet it exuded an unusual atmosphere.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er hid in the shadows of a street corner, quietly observing the grain store. The store was quite spacious, with a plaque above the entrance bearing the four large characters "Mu Ji Grain Store," which appeared somewhat eerie in the dim moonlight. There were no guards at the entrance, but Xiao Yichen knew that this didn't mean there were no precautions inside.

"Wan'er, let's go around to the back and take a look first," Xiao Yichen said softly. Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, and the two carefully moved along the wall towards the backyard of the grain store.

The backyard wall was quite high, but it wasn't difficult for Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, who were skilled in light-footed martial arts. They easily scaled the wall and landed in the backyard. The backyard was filled with all sorts of miscellaneous items, as well as several huge granaries. The granary doors were tightly closed, making it impossible to see what was inside.

Xiao Yichen gestured for Lin Wan'er to follow him, and the two quietly approached one of the granaries. Just as they were about to reach the granary, they suddenly heard a soft footstep. Xiao Yichen was startled and quickly pulled Lin Wan'er to hide in a corner.

A man who looked like a shop assistant emerged from behind the granary, carrying a lantern and looking around warily. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er held their breath, afraid of being discovered. Fortunately, the shop assistant didn't notice them; he simply circled the granary once and then returned to the back.

"This grain store is indeed well-defended," Lin Wan'er said softly.

Xiao Yichen frowned slightly: "It seems we need to be more careful."

They continued exploring the courtyard and discovered a small hut that appeared to be the warehouse manager's residence. Xiao Yichen gently pushed open the door; the hut was empty. The two entered and began a thorough search.

On a worn-out table, Xiao Yichen found an account book. He opened it and examined it carefully. The account book recorded the grain purchases and sales of the grain store. Xiao Yichen discovered that Mu's Grain Store purchased a very large amount of grain, and most of it came from remote areas.

“The source of this grain is somewhat suspicious,” Xiao Yichen said. “Such a large quantity of goods, and all of them are transported from remote areas, there must be something wrong with it.”

Lin Wan'er leaned closer to take a look: "Could it be that they are deliberately hoarding food to drive up prices?"

Xiao Yichen shook his head: "I don't think it's that simple. Judging from these records, their purchase price wasn't high, but they sold it for a very high price in the capital. The price difference is too big; there must be other reasons."

Just then, they heard a commotion outside. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er quickly put away their account books and went out of the small house. They saw a group of people walking from the front yard of the grain store to the back yard, led by a tall, burly man with a fierce face.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" the man shouted.

Xiao Yichen was startled; he knew they had been discovered. But he didn't panic. Instead, he calmly said, "We were just passing by. We saw a grain store here and wanted to come in and see if they had any grain to sell."

The man sneered, "Just passing by? I bet you're here to steal! Seize them!"

After saying that, the group of people behind him rushed towards Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. Xiao Yichen whispered to Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, be careful."

Then, he faced the group and unleashed his martial arts. Xiao Yichen's martial arts were superb; his movements were as swift as lightning, his fists whistling through the air, each move carrying immense power. Those who rushed towards him were all knocked to the ground.

Lin Wan'er was not to be outdone. She used her lightness skill to move freely through the crowd. The sword in her hand gleamed coldly, and each swing repelled the enemy.

However, the opposing force outnumbered them and seemed to possess considerable martial arts skills. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er gradually found themselves outmatched.

"Wan'er, let's retreat first!" Xiao Yichen shouted.

He grabbed Lin Wan'er and ran towards the backyard wall. The men were hot on their heels. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er leaped over the wall and disappeared into the darkness.

Back at their lodgings, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began analyzing the clues they had found at Mu Ji Grain Store.

“That ledger is definitely the key,” Xiao Yichen said. “We need to find out the true source of that grain and why they raised the price.”

Lin Wan'er nodded and said, "I think we can start our investigation by looking at the regions where the goods are sourced. Maybe we can find some clues."

"Okay, I'll arrange for someone to investigate right away," Xiao Yichen said.

Just as Xiao Yichen was arranging for people to investigate the source of grain for Mu's Grain Store, some strange things happened in the capital. Some people began to fall ill inexplicably, and their symptoms were all very similar: persistent high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Upon learning this news, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er had a vague feeling that it was related to the Mu Family Grain Store incident. They decided to visit the sick people to see if they could find any clues.

In a dilapidated house, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er met several sick people. They lay in bed, pale-faced, groaning in pain. Xiao Yichen carefully inquired about their illnesses and their diet before the onset of symptoms.

An elderly man said weakly, "I don't know what happened. I just started feeling unwell after eating some food that I bought from outside."

Xiao Yichen's heart skipped a beat: "Where did you buy the grain from?"

The old man said, "I bought it from a small stall on the street. The stall owner said he got his grain from Mu Ji Grain Store."

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a glance, feeling that things were becoming increasingly strange. Could there be something wrong with the grain at Mu's Grain Store?

They decided to investigate Mu's Grain Store again. This time, they changed their approach. Xiao Yichen found a well-known businessman friend in the capital and asked him to pretend to go to Mu's Grain Store to discuss a grain deal, while he and Lin Wan'er hid in the shadows to observe.

The merchant friend arrived at Mu's Grain Store and explained his purpose. The owner of Mu's Grain Store personally received him. During their conversation, the merchant friend subtly inquired about the source and quality of the grain.

The owner of Mu's Grain Store seemed wary; he didn't answer directly, but instead gave vague answers. However, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er still managed to glean some useful information from his words.

They learned that the grain from Mu's Grain Store was indeed transported from some remote areas, but strange things seemed to be happening in these areas. Moreover, the owner of Mu's Grain Store had close ties with some mysterious figures.

"Who exactly are these mysterious figures? What is their connection to the conspiracy of Mu's Grain Store?" Lin Wan'er asked疑惑地.

Xiao Yichen frowned and said, "It seems we are getting closer and closer to the truth, but also more and more dangerous. We must uncover this conspiracy as soon as possible, otherwise the people of the capital will suffer an even greater disaster."

Just as they were preparing to investigate these mysterious figures further, their merchant friend suddenly disappeared. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er searched everywhere but couldn't find him. They realized that their merchant friend had probably been discovered and captured by the people from Mu's Grain Store.

“We must go and save him,” Xiao Yichen said. “Moreover, this is also a good opportunity for us to infiltrate Mu’s Grain Store.”

Lin Wan'er nodded: "But we must be careful and not fall into their trap again."

Thus, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er once again embarked on their journey to Mu's Grain Store. This time, they were filled with courage and determination, for they knew that behind Mu's Grain Store lay a massive conspiracy capable of overthrowing the capital, and that they were the last hope for the people of the capital.

In a secluded courtyard in the capital, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were busily preparing to disguise themselves and infiltrate Mu's Grain Store. Xiao Yichen wore a long blue cloth robe, his hair casually tied up with a wooden hairpin, and his face lightly powdered, softening his originally handsome features to resemble a well-to-do young scholar. He also held a folding fan in his hand, gently waving it, exuding a refined and scholarly air.

Lin Wan'er wore a plain cotton dress with delicate flowers embroidered at the hem. Her long, black hair was styled into two buns, cascading over her shoulders, with a few wisps of hair framing her face, adding to her playful charm. Her face was lightly made up, and her eyes sparkled with intelligence, making her appear like a refined young lady. To further enhance her disguise, she wore a sachet that emitted a faint floral fragrance.

"Yichen, do I look like this?" Lin Wan'er asked nervously, while slightly adjusting her skirt.

Xiao Yichen carefully examined her and smiled slightly: "Wan'er, anyone who sees you would think you are a gentle and lovely girl next door. However, we must be careful when we go to Mu's Grain Store and must not reveal any flaws."

Lin Wan'er nodded gently: "I understand. There are many conspiracies behind this grain store. We could be in danger if we are not careful."

After making some preparations, the two headed towards Mu's Grain Store. Along the way, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er deliberately slowed their pace, mimicking the mannerisms of ordinary people. They would occasionally stop to look at the small items on the street, and sometimes whisper a few words to each other, so as not to arouse suspicion.

Before long, the tall signboard of Mu's Grain Store came into view. People were coming and going at the store entrance, seemingly bustling with activity, but Xiao Yichen keenly sensed an unusual atmosphere. He slightly tightened his grip on the folding fan in his hand, his eyes revealing vigilance.

"Wan'er, let's go in. Remember, proceed according to plan," Xiao Yichen said in a low voice.

Lin Wan'er took a deep breath, took Xiao Yichen's arm, and the two slowly walked into the grain store.

Upon entering the store, a stale smell of grain hits you. The store is quite spacious, with rows of shelves filled with various grains, including rice, wheat, and whole grains. The staff bustle about, attending to customers.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er pretended to be a couple who had come to buy grain. They strolled around the store casually, but secretly kept an eye on their surroundings. Xiao Yichen noticed that although the shop assistants seemed enthusiastic, they were very wary and frequently glanced at the customers who entered the store.

"Young master, madam, are you looking to buy some grain?" A shop assistant greeted them with a beaming smile.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly: "Yes, I'd like to take a look at your rice. I've heard that Mu Ji Grain Store's grains are of excellent quality, so I've come today to purchase some."

The shop assistant quickly said, "Young master, you've come to the right place. Our Mu Ji Grain Shop's rice is all transported from premium production areas; the grains are plump and the taste is excellent. This way, please."

As he spoke, the shop assistant led Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er to the shelf displaying rice. Xiao Yichen pretended to pick up a handful of rice, examining it closely, muttering to himself, "Hmm, this rice does look quite good. But the price..."

The shop assistant quickly explained, "Young master, in this year of famine, grain prices are naturally higher. But rest assured, the grain at our Muji Grain Shop is absolutely worth the price."

Lin Wan'er said softly from the side, "But this price is too expensive. Our small family really can't afford it. Can you make it cheaper?"

The shop assistant looked troubled: "Madam, this price is already the lowest. You know, the cost of grain is not low to begin with, and we also need to earn some hard-earned money, don't we?"

Xiao Yichen frowned: "Never mind the price for now. I want to check your warehouse first to make sure the grain isn't damp or moldy. After all, I'm buying a considerable quantity, and if there are quality issues, it could cause a lot of trouble."

Upon hearing this, the shop assistant's expression changed slightly: "Young master, this warehouse is a very important place in our store, and customers are generally not allowed to visit it. If you are worried about the quality of the grain, I can assure you that the grain in our Muji Grain Store is strictly selected and there will be absolutely no problem."

Xiao Yichen feigned dissatisfaction and said, "You lad, I want to buy so much grain, and you won't even let me see the warehouse. How can I feel at ease? If you won't let me see it, then I won't buy the grain."

The shop assistant hesitated, glancing at Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Just then, a middle-aged man approached. This man wore a brocade robe, his eyes revealing shrewdness and authority; he was presumably the manager of Mu's Grain Shop.

"What's all this noise about?" the shopkeeper asked.

The shop assistant quickly recounted what had happened. The shopkeeper glanced at Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, and smiled slightly: "So you are two distinguished guests. It is not impossible for you to see the warehouse, young master. However, the warehouse is filled with a lot of goods and is in a mess. Please forgive us."

Xiao Yichen was secretly delighted, but on the surface he remained calm: "It would be perfect if the shopkeeper were so understanding."

So, the shopkeeper led Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er toward the warehouse. Along the way, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er carefully observed their surroundings, trying to find some useful clues.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, the shopkeeper opened the door. A strong smell of grain wafted out. The warehouse was dimly lit and filled with sacks of various sizes. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er entered the warehouse, pretending to carefully examine the grain, but their eyes were secretly observing the layout and other details of the warehouse.

Suddenly, Lin Wan'er noticed a hidden door in the corner of the warehouse. The door was very well concealed and difficult to spot without careful observation. A thought struck her, and she gently tugged at Xiao Yichen's sleeve, gesturing for him to look at the hidden door.

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly; he knew that there might be an important secret hidden behind this secret door. However, he did not reveal it and continued his conversation with the shopkeeper.

"Shopkeeper, this grain looks pretty good. But could you possibly offer a discount? I can buy a large quantity at once," Xiao Yichen said.

The shopkeeper pondered for a moment: "Young master, this price is already the lowest. However, if you can really buy a large quantity of grain at once, I can consider giving you some other grains as a gift."

Xiao Yichen chuckled inwardly, knowing the shopkeeper was just stalling him. But he didn't give up and continued to maneuver with the shopkeeper.

Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the warehouse. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were startled, unsure of what had happened. The shopkeeper's expression also changed slightly, and he quickly said, "Young Master, Madam, it seems there's something going on outside. I'll go check it out first; please wait here for a moment."

After saying this, the shopkeeper hurriedly left the warehouse. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a glance; they knew this was an excellent opportunity.

"Wan'er, let's go see what's behind that hidden door," Xiao Yichen said in a low voice.

Lin Wan'er nodded, and the two cautiously walked towards the hidden door. When they arrived at the hidden door, they found it was unlocked. Xiao Yichen gently pushed the hidden door open, and a pungent smell wafted out.

Behind the hidden door was a small room filled with strange tools and unidentified herbs. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er entered the room and examined it closely. They discovered that the tools and herbs seemed to be related to some kind of evil witchcraft.

"What... what's going on?" Lin Wan'er asked in surprise.

Xiao Yichen frowned: "It seems that the conspiracy behind Mu's Grain Store is more complicated than we imagined. These things are likely tools they use to control the grain supply or poison the people."