Chapter 13

Qiu Chiyan lay on the couch all day before getting up the next day.

I went on a long walk the day before yesterday, but now I'm not in a hurry anymore; I can just wait.

He moved a chair and sat in the backyard basking in the sun for a long time.

Although he didn't need malt to pick out lice that weren't even there, the autumn sun made him lazy, so he just went along with the monkey.

But the leisure stolen from a busy schedule must eventually be returned.

In the afternoon, when the sun was high in the sky, a flurry of footsteps broke the silence.

"Brother Qiu—!"

Zhou Siyao's voice came from the front yard, and then a figure rushed into the back yard, almost bumping into Yao Liuliu who was carrying a bucket of water.

"What's going on? Why aren't you using the main entrance?" Yao Liuliu didn't like her much to begin with, and now that she was barging in like this, her disdain was blatantly obvious.

Zhou Siyao didn't care about her and rushed to Qiu Chiyan before she could even catch her breath.

"Brother Qiu! Si Nian... Si Nian is in trouble!"

Qiu Chiyan's expression turned serious: "What's wrong? Tell me slowly."

"Si Nian has been detained by the people of Mo Yun Tang!"

Changfeng Manor is not a large gang, while Moyuntang is a well-known merchant group in the north. In terms of location, it is difficult for them to have any connection.

Zhou Siyao took a breath and explained, "The time Si Nian broke a weapon in a fight was with Xuan Che, the third young master of Mo Yuntang. Si Nian was no match for the young master's attendant that day, so he made a few sarcastic remarks. But Xuan Che died the day before yesterday, and Mo Yuntang came knocking on our door, insisting that Si Nian was the one who did it!"

She knew her younger brother was always frivolous, but killing someone over something so trivial was definitely not something he would do.

She only came to Sanhe Town to observe the Hundred Sects' sacrificial ceremony and had no intention of getting into conflict with anyone. But fate had other plans, and all sorts of trouble started to happen.

Qiu Chiyan was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you know where they are holding them?"

"At the branch of Moyuntang, awaiting judgment!"

Qiu Chiyan got up, intending to go out with her.

Yao Liuliu was carrying an empty bucket out of the kitchen when she saw this and couldn't help but shout, "Going out again? Shen Yu went out to buy groceries. If he comes back and sees the patient and runs away again, I won't be the one getting the injection."

"...Please explain to me that I don't need to have dinner saved for me tonight." After saying that, he left with Zhou Siyao.

Yao Liuliu subtly rolled her eyes.

She's happy to chat about other people's business, but she absolutely cannot meddle in other people's affairs.

She had heard about Moyuntang's style of doing things.

Although they operate under the guise of a "merchant guild," their practices are a mix of江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) and 黑路 (heilongjiang, the underworld). From rare medicinal herbs to grains and vegetables, they encompass almost every type of business in the North. Anyone who offends Mo Yun Tang will be tormented by various subtle and insidious methods until they are utterly exhausted.

Zhou Sinian has been dragged into this mess, and he's probably in for a rough time; it won't end easily.

She thought to herself that even if Qiu Chiyan went today, he wouldn't be able to get the person out.

Her guess was confirmed at dinner.

Qiu Chiyan returned limping, and Zhou Siyao was also distracted.

Yao Liuliu reached out her hand to Gong Er, indicating that he should pay her money if he lost the bet.

Gong Er, unwilling to give up, asked them, "Does Moyuntang not want to release them?"

Zhou Siyao shook her head, almost grinding her teeth to powder: "Brother Qiu clearly pointed out the problems with the wounds and weapons, but they still won't release him. If it weren't for the government intervening, I think they would have tried to settle this privately!"

Gong Er sighed and gave Yao Liuliu fifty coins.

"What weapons? Zhou Sinian's weapons were all broken, weren't they?" He had lost money and was feeling dejected, so he just asked casually.

"It looks like a neck wound made by a broken, cone-shaped sword. A fatal blow to the throat—Zhou Sinian doesn't have that skill," Qiu Chiyan replied.

He was in pain and couldn't eat, so he didn't touch his chopsticks.

The three people at the table exchanged glances, but remained silent.

However, Shen Yu suddenly spoke up: "Have you heard what's been going on in the streets today?"

"What?"

"Several sects have arrived in Sanhe Town, but three young swordsmen have died."

"...When did this happen?" Qiu Chiyan frowned.

"One of them happened three days ago, but they didn't publicize it. There are two others... I don't know. You should go and inquire about these things. I heard that the manner of death seems somewhat similar. There are always some strange people and strange things before a major martial arts event."

Zhou Siyao was probably in too much pain. After hearing Shen Yu's words, she was stunned for a moment before she came to her senses.

"Thank you very much, Manager Shen! I'll go right away!"

She rushed out, and the night wind swept in through the door, bringing in a few wisps of cold air.

"What a mess..." Gong Er sighed, shoveling two more mouthfuls of rice into his mouth.

"If you're worried about things getting chaotic, come back to Zhumen with us," Vicki interjected at the opportune moment.

"...What's it to you! Just eat your food!"

Shen Yu glanced at Yao Liuliu, who was munching on her chopsticks and had forgotten to eat.

She then kicked her under the table.

Yao Liuliu snapped out of her daze and focused on eating without saying a word.

After everyone had left, Qiu Chiyan was still sitting at the table. When Shen Yu was about to go upstairs, he quickly grabbed the hem of her clothes.

"Shopkeeper, could you please give me a few more acupuncture needles?" His voice was tinged with a smile, but also with a hint of flattery.

Shen Yu looked back with bright eyes: "Today I suddenly realized that something my mother said makes a lot of sense."

"…What?"

"You can't reason with me, you're a suicidal devil." She brushed Qiu Chiyan's hand away. "I'll see if you ever turn into a cripple."

Qiu Chiyan was taken aback by her words, and forced a guilty smile: "Things are beyond my control, and I can't just stand by and watch someone die. Tomorrow, I definitely won't go out! And the day after tomorrow, I won't move either!"

"I'm going out the day after tomorrow."

"...I'm sure I'll stay honest until my injury heals!"

Shen Yu scoffed and went upstairs to get the needle.

When she returned, Qiu Chiyan was still sitting obediently in the same spot, his arm draped over the back of the chair, half-leaning back, looking like he knew he was going to get a shot but was pretending to be calm.

"Straighten your legs."

"Yes." He immediately obeyed and did as instructed.

Shen Yu bent down and quickly and efficiently tightened the bandages for him. When the needle pierced his flesh, he frowned slightly but remained silent.

But she suddenly spoke, her voice abruptly changing: "If martial arts practitioners cause deaths in their fights to determine the victor, will your government intervene?"

Qiu Chiyan was taken aback; this was also the point that had been troubling him all day.

The martial arts world and the imperial court may seem to be at peace now, but in reality, they do not interfere with each other and are wary of each other.

Everyone had already reached a tacit understanding: the imperial court would not interfere in the internal strife within the martial arts world, and the martial arts world itself must also maintain its boundaries and not cross the line.

Today's events should have been settled within the martial arts world. He went to investigate only because he felt Zhou Sinian wouldn't do such a thing.

But no matter how much he interferes, he can't stop it.

He turned the question back to Shen Yu: "Do you think that with the Hundred Gates Sacrifice Ceremony imminent, some people can't hold back and want to show off before the grand event?"

Chen Yu remained noncommittal.

People in the martial arts world never need a reason to challenge each other to a duel; they just rush in if they don't like each other.

Even if someone breaks into your room in the middle of the night, as long as they draw their sword, it means you have accepted the challenge, and from then on, you are responsible for your own life and death.

But perhaps it's just that people have long been dissatisfied with Mo Yuntang's actions, and someone is taking this opportunity to seek revenge.

However, regardless of the circumstances, Moyuntang's stance is that outsiders should not interfere. Today, they have already given Qiu Chiyan ample face.

"If it's difficult, what do you want to do?" Shen Yu was determined to get to the bottom of things, regardless of whether Qiu Chiyan could answer.

Qiu Chiyan was unaware of this either. The candlelight illuminated his face, making him appear somewhat weary.

but…

"Help as much as you can. Zhou Sinian may have a bad temper, but he shouldn't have to suffer for no reason because of this."

Shen Yu looked up and met his gaze, gently turning the needle between his fingers.

She knew from a young age that being a peacemaker was difficult.

Ironically, most good people in the world are doing this kind of thankless and arduous work.

"If it's about fighting, you can call me."

"…Um?"

Shen Yu raised an eyebrow: "They call themselves江湖人 (jianghu people), then let's settle this using jianghu methods. Don't you government officials often use jianghu people to help solve problems? Why is it so difficult for you?"

Even when she picked up the sword, she didn't see the sharpness of Chen Yu's sword.

That certainty didn't stem from arrogance, but rather from an ingrained habit.

Qiu Chiyan felt that in the past, she always seemed lazy and languid, like a cat basking in the sun, languid, peaceful, and with a quiet ease.

But just now, it was like a little leopard, quiet and agile.

That instant of naturalness was so straightforward that it was impossible to look away.

The feeling was abrupt and inappropriate, yet it made him momentarily speechless.

Shen Yu had already turned around and put away the needles, her movements still swift and efficient.

When she turned around, he hurriedly looked away and coughed casually, saying, "There's a sign up there that says 'No Fighting,' but you still rushed to the front."

“That’s for disciplining others, not for myself,” Shen Yu said matter-of-factly. “I’m going back to sleep. You can climb back yourself.”

"Okay."

The day passed, but the matter did not turn back.

The fact that Zhou Siyao didn't come has already spread throughout the streets—

A mysterious master has been challenging people everywhere, and many heroes have already died.

Yan Rifu entered the inn with a worried look on his face, and instead of fawning over Qiu Chiyan as usual, he didn't rush straight to him.

He ordered a plate of peanuts and half a piece of braised beef, sat down in the lobby, and practically rooted himself to the spot.

"Officer Yan, why aren't you patrolling the streets today?" Shen Yu came over, carrying her newly made sweet osmanthus taro soup.

"Why bother patrolling? Go and see for yourself. Which of those people on the street is someone I can afford to offend?" Yan Rifu took a big bite of beef. "I'll just come here to find some peace and quiet."

However, he still lowered his voice and asked, "Is Lord Qiu not here?"

"He's lying in the back."

"Ah...I understand."

If even the officials from the capital don't care, then he has even less reason to care.

"Who's here now? I've been busy buying groceries and cooking these past two days, so I haven't had a chance to join in the fun."

“Qingming Sect of Zhongnan Mountain, Xuanji Temple of Wudang Mountain, Fuyun Sword Sect of Taihu Lake, Black Stone Alliance of the Northern Frontier…” Yan Rifu recounted what he had heard and seen. As he was speaking, he suddenly remembered something and whispered even more furtively, “I heard that the Moon Shadow Sect has also sent people.”

"Moon Shadow Sect...they've come to participate in the Hundred Sects Sacrifice?"

"That's definitely not it!" Yan Rifu exclaimed in terror, his features contorted. "Why would assassins attend a prestigious sect's gathering? If they show up, they're definitely doing it for money!"

Yan Rifu spoke vividly in front, while Yao Liuliu stood motionless behind the curtain for a long time.