Chapter 731 A United Family (Second Update)

Wang Xu was utterly speechless.

He lay there blankly on the cool floor, staring at the roof beams as if struck by lightning ten thousand times.

Gu Jiao stood up with her bowl of noodles in her hand, nodded at Gu Chengfeng, and said casually, "Untie me, we're on the same side now."

Gu Chengfeng was completely dumbfounded. That's it?

Wait, there are so many people here, why are you only ordering me around?

Hmph, you know I'm the most reliable one, don't you!

Gu Chengfeng, with a large rolling pin mark on his head, strode over and untied the ropes binding Wang Xu.

Wang Xu could easily recognize that this was the "commoner woman" who had been following him all the way down the street.

He has an Adam's apple... and he's a man.

Wang Xu was filled with doubt.

Who are all the people in this room who are around the eldest grandson of the emperor?

A terrifying master who could take him down with just a rolling pin, a master of light-footed kung fu who was good at disguising himself and forced him to escape, and another Xiao Liulang whom he knew, who was the doctor the king had invited for the deposed crown princess.

It was he who led Xiao Liulang in from the palace gate.

"No, why were you following me just now?" Wang Xu asked Gu Chengfeng.

Since the girl claimed to be one of his own, Gu Chengfeng decided not to disguise himself as a woman anymore.

His eyes flashed, and he said in his masculine voice, "I wasn't following you. I was following the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince met with the Han family patriarch again, and I followed him to see what tricks he was up to this time. Who knew you would show up like this? Isn't it suspicious that you secretly met with the Han family patriarch?"

"He really is a man," Wang Xu thought to himself.

Wang Xu carefully considered the possibility of the situation Gu Chengfeng mentioned.

The conflict between the Crown Prince and the deposed Crown Princess has indeed been going on for a long time. The cause can be traced back to the time when the Crown Princess was deposed and the Crown Prince became the heir apparent. Everyone would think that the Crown Prince had taken away what belonged to the Crown Princess.

More recently, a few days ago, the Crown Prince and the deposed Crown Princess had a dispute in the harem, and the Crown Prince's guards even injured the deposed Crown Princess.

Now that the deposed crown princess is being persecuted again, it is only natural that the eldest grandson of the emperor would be the first to suspect the crown prince and send people to keep an eye on him.

After untying him, Gu Chengfeng stood up and extended a hand to him.

Wang Xu grabbed Gu Chengfeng's hand and stood up.

"Hiss—"

it hurts.

Who is that big guy? He went way too far!

He limped up to Xiao Heng, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your humble servant Wang Xu greets Your Highness Changsun."

Based on Gu Chengfeng's observation of Wang Xu, although he was a bit stubborn, he was not bought off by Old Master Han, which shows that he was a loyal and righteous person.

Xiao Heng nodded and said, "Today's matter was a misunderstanding, please don't take it to heart, Commandant Guan."

"It was my recklessness. I am grateful that Your Highness does not hold my mistake against me."

"His Majesty is at the Observatory. Go and report back to him."

"Yes." Wang Xu bowed again and then withdrew. As he turned around, he suddenly turned to look at Xiao Heng, "Your Highness, won't you ask if I have found any clues?"

Even Consort Han sent someone to inquire about him.

Xiao Heng looked at him with a serious expression: "I believe that Commandant Guan will give my mother justice."

His Highness the Grandson still trusted him as always...

A surge of heat coursed through Wang Xu's heart, an impulse of being trusted pounding in his chest.

He solemnly declared, "Your humble servant... will do everything in his power!"

He left the house.

Gu Chengfeng stuck his head out to look around, then went back inside, clapped his hands, and said, "Alright, we're going far away."

Xiao Heng took out a clean piece of gauze from his pocket, and when he opened it, a small strand of silk thread was revealed inside.

This was just taken from Wang Xu. Wang Xu had wrapped it in a handkerchief, which was out of place with Wang Xu's identity as a military officer. It also faintly smelled of grass and blood.

Xiao Heng surmised that it was the evidence Wang Xu had found at the crime scene today.

Xiao Heng cut off a small strand with scissors.

The clothes Shangguan Yan was wearing when she was injured have been changed by Gu Jiao and placed in a box in the ward as evidence.

After careful examination, Xiao Heng discovered that the thread did not come from Shangguan Yan.

The four sat around the Eight Immortals table.

Gu Jiao had finished her noodles and was now drinking the noodle soup from a bowl that was bigger than her face.

Xiao Heng sat down beside her and said, "It should be the murderer's clothing left behind in the grass or thorns at the scene."

Gu Chengfeng and Gu Changqing sat opposite the two.

"Is he... Han Ye's type?" Gu Chengfeng asked.

Han Ye is highly suspicious. He not only assassinated Xiao Heng, but also attempted to assassinate Gu Jiao. He seems to be the Crown Prince's most trusted ally.

Xiao Heng shook his head: "This is kudzu silk. It's used for winter fur coats and summer kudzu clothing. Kudzu isn't very warm, but it's very breathable, so it's usually used to make summer clothes."

As he spoke, he glanced at Gu Chengfeng and said, “Your top is made of kudzu cloth, and the quality is not as good as the kudzu silk I have, but this kudzu silk is not the best either. Today in the woods, when Jiaojiao fought with Han Ye, he was wearing silk. That night, when he disguised himself as a man in black to assassinate me at the academy, he was wearing the finest kudzu cloth.”

This is not hard to understand. Han Ye is the heir of the Han family and a true nobleman. Naturally, he would not wear cheap night clothes that cost one or two taels of silver for seven or eight sets.

They are all custom-made, close-fitting, lightweight, and comfortable.

Gu Chengfeng looked at the silk in Xiao Heng's hand, seemingly lost in thought: "In other words, this material is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive."

Xiao Heng said, "It's above average; ordinary people can't afford it, and nobles wouldn't even look at it."

Gu Chengfeng frowned: "Who could it be? A master from the Han family? A master from the Crown Prince's residence? Could it be Qi Xuan?"

The group had already shared all the information they knew, including Xiao Heng's background, the fact that Shangguan Yan was the female slave from Yan State back then, and clues about characters such as Qi Xuan who was related to Han Ye.

Gu Chengfeng asked Gu Changqing, "Brother, you fought with Qi Xuan before. Did you notice what clothes he was wearing?"

Gu Changqing said, "I didn't get to fight him."

Qi Xuan grabbed Han Ye and left without exchanging a single blow with Gu Changqing.

“Me.” Gu Jiao raised a hand from behind the large bowl. “I’ve fought Qi Xuan before.”

Gu Chengfeng looked at her: "Has he ever worn clothes made of this kind of material?"

Gu Jiao: "I don't remember."

Gu Chengfeng: "..."

Xiao Heng said, "Keep an eye on Wang Xu and see if he has any clues."

Gu Chengfeng's lips twitched. Heh, what happened to the trust? You're still secretly watching me, aren't you?

"I know, I'll keep an eye on him in a bit." Gu Chengfeng pursed his lips, then, thinking of something, asked again, "I still don't understand. Killing you is because you are, after all, the eldest grandson of the emperor, and you haven't been demoted to a commoner. But your mother is no longer a member of the royal family, so why are there still people who won't let her go?"

Xiao Heng said, "If you can depose someone, you can establish them again. The king once said that Crown Princess Shangguan Yan would be deposed and reduced to a commoner, imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum, and never return to the capital. But now she has not only returned, but also moved into the palace. Tell me, which of those who are restless can sit still? The Crown Prince will be the first to be restless."

It might not matter for a day or two, but as time goes on, some people will worry that the king's fatherly affection for Shangguan Yan has returned.

This is a very dangerous sign.

Not everything needs to be addressed only after it happens; we should nip problems in the bud and prevent them from escalating.

Even if it's just a speculative idea, it must be nipped in the bud immediately.

Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment and said to Xiao Heng, "There's no need to go to so much trouble. Perhaps your mother has seen the murderer."

“That possibility cannot be ruled out,” Xiao Heng said. “If we really see it, we’ll know whether someone else is taking the blame.”

The person who assassinated him that night was clearly Han Ye, but it was Han Ye's second master who was punished.

Gu Jiao finished the last drop of noodle soup. As soon as she put down the empty bowl, two slender hands reached out to her at the same time.

One belongs to Gu Changqing, and the other to Xiao Heng.

Both of them held a clean handkerchief in their hands.

Gu Jiao blinked. Why did this feel like another life-or-death question?

She slightly raised her left hand, and Gu Changqing's face darkened.

She slightly raised her right hand, and Xiao Heng's face darkened.

Her eyes darted around, and she swiftly reached out and grabbed both of their handkerchiefs at the same time.

No distinction of order, all should be treated fairly.

She wiped her mouth with two handkerchiefs as she ran out.

Everyone had vanished, and only then did her voice echo in the corridor: "I'm going to find the Imperial Advisor—"

The two men stared at each other for a full three seconds, then suddenly stood up in unison and shouted towards the door, "Your foot—"

This girl, she's sprained her ankle but she's still running!

...

Gu Jiao's foot is fine now.

She has built up a physique that allows her to recover very well.

She went to the library.

The library has three floors. The first floor is the largest, containing the most common books. The second floor is the second largest, containing some more specialized and hard-to-find books. The third floor is the smallest, containing secrets related to the Yan Kingdom and the Imperial Preceptor's Hall.

For example, the Six Scripts of the Yan State were once displayed on the third floor.

Gu Jiao only went to the first floor.

Ye Qing was organizing books in front of a bookshelf when he saw Gu Jiao enter. He greeted her politely, "Young Master Xiao."

Gu Jiao nodded: "Ye Qing."

Ye Qing handed the books in his hand to the disciple who was helping him: "Take these two out to air them out, they're a bit damp. I'll come back and sort the rest later."

"Yes, Senior Brother." The disciple took the book with both hands, bowed, and walked out.

Ye Qing led Gu Jiao to the tea table where they rested, walked up a step, and knelt down opposite the desk.

Gu Jiao sat down opposite him in the same manner.

He picked up a pot of tea from the small wooden bucket filled with ice, smiled slightly, and said, "It's honey flower tea."

He poured a glass for Gu Jiao first, and then poured one for himself.

Gu Jiao had just eaten a large bowl of noodles, and to be honest, her stomach was a little full, so she only took a small bite.

There must have been mint added to the tea, which made it very fragrant and pleasant.

Ye Qing smiled and said, "Young Master Xiao, are you here to see my master? My master and His Majesty are on the third floor, and Commandant Wang just went up as well. I reckon they won't be able to finish their conversation anytime soon. If Young Master Xiao has something urgent, I can go and inform him."

The disciple of the Imperial Preceptor Hall, who was serving tea and snacks to the two, showed a hint of surprise in his eyes upon hearing Ye Qing's words.

The Grand Preceptor never allows anyone to disturb him when he is talking to someone, and there is no such thing as being able to send someone to inform him of something urgent.

What is so special about this young master Xiao?

Gu Jiao was unaware that the Imperial Advisor was so arrogant. She thought that reporting to the Imperial Advisor was a routine procedure, but she didn't necessarily need to see him.

Gu Jiao took a sip of tea and asked, "Were those codes taught to you by your master?"

Ye Qing looked bewildered: "What code?"

Gu Jiao: "Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple."

Ye Qing blurted out reflexively, "East, West, South, North, Center, White!"

Gu Jiao narrowed her eyes: "As expected, it was you guys."

Shangguan Qing visits the Imperial Preceptor's Hall every two years and stays for several days each time. It is said that he has a good relationship with the disciples of the Imperial Preceptor's Hall.

These coded messages were obviously taught by the Imperial Advisor.

Ye Qing smiled awkwardly: "It was the eldest grandson of the emperor who told Young Master Xiao, right... It was just a few jokes, Young Master Xiao doesn't need to take it to heart."

Gu Jiao snorted, "You old lewd man."

Ye Qing gave a dry laugh.

It's not that his master was indecent, but that the eldest grandson of the emperor was indecent. Who knew that he was full of wicked ideas at such a young age?

He could fall asleep while studying, but he had a better memory than anyone else when it came to learning unorthodox or unorthodox methods.

"Can I come up to your second floor and take a look?" Gu Jiao asked.

Ye Qing said, "What Young Master Xiao says is fine."

Others wouldn't be able to do it; the Imperial Advisor's approval is required.

However, his master seemed to take special care of this young master Xiao, and apart from a few very special things, he could almost let young master Xiao move around freely.

Gu Jiao and Ye Qing went up to the second floor.

Only two disciples were on duty on the second floor.

Upon seeing Ye Qing, the two bowed respectfully and said, "Senior Brother."

Ye Qing nodded and said to the two of them, "You two go about your business, I'll show Young Master Xiao around."

"Yes." The two men stepped aside.

Ye Qing said to Gu Jiao, "Young Master Xiao, please."

Gu Jiao casually browsed around and found books on farming, laws, and some more specialized books on arithmetic, astronomy, geography, etc., which were more in-depth and comprehensive in knowledge than similar books on the market.

"What's over there?" Gu Jiao put a farming book back on the shelf and looked at the row of bookshelves on her right.

The bookshelves weren't filled with books, but with scrolls.

Ye Qing looked at them and said, "Those are portraits; they represent all the major families."

oh?

This is a good opportunity to gather intelligence.

"May I take a look?" Gu Jiao asked politely.

"Of course," Ye Qing said with a smile.

It's one thing for him to treat Gu Jiao with courtesy, but it's quite another for Gu Jiao to reciprocate with respect.

This is much more comfortable to be around than those influential people who always have a smile on their face but whose words and actions reveal disdain.

Gu Jiao went to the bookshelf.

The bookshelf originally had wooden plaques identifying the major families, but today, due to the fine weather, the cleaning disciples took the plaques down to wash them.

Gu Jiao picked up a scroll at random.

Ye Qing opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but hesitated for a moment and then thought it wouldn't hurt.

Gu Jiao opened the scroll.

The portrait depicts a man holding a red-tasseled spear and wearing golden armor.

He had strong features, a cold and stern look, and a teardrop-shaped beauty mark under his right eye.

Gu Jiao was stunned for a moment when she looked at the face in the portrait.

Her gaze shifted downwards.

Xuanyuan—

Her finger happened to be pressing on the last word of the name.

She slowly moved her fingers away.

(End of this chapter)