Chapter 110 Gao's House

Qiu Shui doesn't seem to be afraid of Yan Fang and dares to shout in front of the imperial guards. Su Yan's past experience as a slave tells him that this kind of person is either not afraid of death or has a backer and should not be provoked.

But Yan Fang didn't seem to understand. He gave his subordinates an impatient look, and someone stepped forward to teach her a lesson.

Before the slap landed, Yan Fang heard someone loudly chirping in front of him: "Stupid, really stupid, how could Bai's last name be Yan?"

Yan Fang: “…”

Yan Fang was in no mood to work for Zhao Mingde.

At Qiu Shui's call, a small group of people arrived late.

The guard helped a man down from the carriage, and the man hurried towards Qiu Shui.

The man was dressed elegantly, in a Tibetan black robe with gold thread sewn on the edge. Although he was old, he was still very graceful.

When Yan Fang saw the man, he actually saluted him, "General Zhao."

It’s Zhao Zong.

Zhao Zong was a lieutenant and an important figure in the imperial guards. He was impeached by civil officials for bribery and was subsequently exiled to the frontier.

Civil and military officials didn't even know when he returned to the capital. Just when Zhao Mingde's power reached its peak, the influence of Chuyun Tower was slowly discovered by other people in the capital, and Zhao Zong appeared again.

He is in charge of Chuyun Tower for Zhao Mingde and is a sharp knife in Zhao Mingde's hand.

It can be said that what Zhao Zong meant was actually what Zhao Mingde meant.

Although Zhao Zong no longer holds an official position, Yan Fang does not dare to yell at him.

Although both are Zhao Mingde's dogs, Zhao Zong is more favored.

Zhao Zong walked quickly towards Qiu Shui, "Are you still messing around?!"

It turns out that Qiu Shui's backer is Zhao Zong.

Yan Fang reacted quickly, "Do you know her?"

Zhao Zong's smile was extremely forced, "My daughter has caused trouble for General Yan."

Qiu Shui is Zhao Zong's daughter!

Yun Xing once explained the matter of Chuyun Tower to Su Yan.

Eunuchs had no offspring, so it was popular to adopt godsons. Zhao Mingde not only had a godson, but also a goddaughter.

It was said that this goddaughter was the child left by his sister, and he treated her very well, as if she were his own daughter.

Zhao Zong married this woman and they had a daughter.

This woman was fierce and dissatisfied with Zhao Zong's concubine. She had not given birth to a child for many years, and the couple had only one daughter.

Qiu Shui is Zhao Zong's daughter. She went to the painting studio to find Zhao Zong.

Zhao Zong, Baiyun Temple and Gao's house are closely connected. It is certain that what happened in Gao's house must be related to Zhao Mingde.

Zhao Zong motioned Yan Fang to go see Su Yan.

Yan Fang understood, "The arsonist has been caught and is in jail."

This time he stared at Su Yan and spoke.

The fire has started and the matter has become a big deal. We have to catch the criminal.

The criminal Qiu Shui cannot be caught, and there are still Su Yan and Man Rong who are ready.

They are shifting the blame and don't care about Su Yan's life or death.

Su Yan immediately shouted, "General Yan, there is still no explanation for the bodies in Baiyun Temple! I also found more than 20 imprisoned women in the secret passage of Gao's house, and Miss Qiushui is a witness. Don't you care?"

Zhao Zong frowned and looked at Qiu Shui, "Zhao Qiujin! You've been fooling around all day, what evidence can you provide? Go home and reflect on yourself!"

Zhao Qiujin hesitated for a moment and refused to stand up. She insisted, "I saw it. If you don't believe me, go down and see it now."

Su Yan was a little anxious.

Why hasn't Liang Yi come yet? If he doesn't come, everyone in the secret room will be moved away.

Could she ask Shi Yangui for help? She didn't know where Shi Yangui was now. Going back and forth would waste time. Could she still hold them back?

It is not possible to let Zhao Zong and Yan Fang go down now, as they will definitely destroy the evidence.

Finally, the sound of horse hooves was heard outside Baiyun Temple again.

Liang Yi came with a group of people, but they were not from his own house, but...

Su Yan was surprised and asked, "Why is Minister Shi here?"

She asked Shi Er to find out about the missing woman in the capital. After that, she entered Gao's house and never saw Shi Er again.

Shi Er was dressed in his official uniform, with an upright posture. He walked quickly to Zhao Zong, stared at him for a moment, and then said to Yan Fang, "General Yan, you are in charge of the fire, but do you also need to take care of the bodies in Baiyun Temple?"

Yan Fang said nothing, but raised his eyebrows and looked at Zhao Zong.

Zhao Zong first lowered his head to hide the complex expression in his eyes, and then said calmly: "Minister Shi, this matter can be handled by General Yan. If it gets out of hand and alerts General Manager Zhao, it will be bad."

The second half of the sentence was clearly a threat to Shi Er.

Su Yan remembered Liang Yi and the others saying that Shi Er and Zhao Zong often visited each other.

Now their conversation seems like that of enemies.

Liang Yi came around from behind, he was worried that Yan Fang would take the person away.

There is nowhere to hide now. Zhao Zong and Yan Fang are here, and Su Yan's situation will be reported to Zhao Mingde immediately.

It is difficult for a coroner who has a close relationship with the young prince and also knows Shi Yangui to keep a low profile.

I don’t know if Yun Zhou’s lie can be concealed. If they find out that Su Yan also knows Yun Xing, then it will be all over.

Su Yan, who had been a coward for two lifetimes, was not afraid. Knowing Shi Yan Gui and Liang Yi, and being involved in many cases, she would be targeted sooner or later.

But then again, if I didn't know them, how could I avenge my parents?

Su Mao, also known as Shi Lin, is a man who cares about the world and gets along very well with Su Yan.

Although Yingying had been lying there and had never woken up, Su Yan had been helping to take care of her. She would occasionally move and cry. Su Yan really treated her as his own mother.

Blood relationship is important, but sometimes it is not that important. Even if Su Yan's body has other parents, she only recognizes Su Mao and Ying Ying. This revenge must be avenged.

Liang Yi asked in a low voice: "Is Brother Yun here? Can he protect you?"

After all, Su Yan is not someone who can easily cause trouble.

Su Yan motioned to Liang Yi to be quiet, "Look, Zhao Zong and Shi Er are looking weird."

Shi Er stood straight, like a pine or cypress in deep winter. Although covered with thick snow, it could still stand firm in the wind.

He argued, "According to the Great Zhou law, all murder cases must be reported to the authorities, and Jingzhao Prefecture reports to the Ministry of Justice. The murder happened at Baiyun Temple, and this matter is of great importance and must be investigated."

Shi Er signaled his subordinates to search the body, and then looked at Su Yan.

Su Yan said quickly: "There is a secret room under the Gao Mansion, hiding more than 20 women. If we don't find them, they may be moved away."

Yan Fang pursed his lips and looked at Su Yan carefully.

If this woman continues to shout, Zhao Zong might really take her life.

Although he didn't know what secrets were hidden in the Gao residence, he knew that it was actually Zhao Mingde's property. No matter whose name was filled in on the title deed, it belonged to him, Zhao Mingde.

Looking at the scale of the secret passage, it is definitely not something a merchant could do. Gao’s house and Baiyun Temple must be hiding a big secret.

Shi Er said, "You lead the way to the secret room."

Man Rong was so scared that her legs went limp. Su Yan handed Man Rong over to Liang Yi and said, "Keep her under guard. She took the pill, which is also evidence."

"Pills? Didn't you say that pills are actually poisonous and that taking too much will harm the body?"

Su Yan had a subtle expression.

Liang Yi said: "Are they testing drugs?"

Su Yan smiled, "I'm afraid not."

Yan Fang’s brows were raised higher and higher, and he became more and more curious about Su Yan.

This person is quite interesting. The little prince seems to listen to her, but she actually went to Gao's house to work as a maid.

Could she really be a maid? She must have other intentions.

The young prince couldn't stand Zhao Mingde. If it weren't for the crown prince's protection, Zhao Mingde would have driven him away long ago. What Su Yan did was definitely detrimental to Zhao Mingde.

Yan Fang asked Shi Er, "Who is this?"

Shi Er said, "Miss Su? She's a coroner."

"Su?" Yan Fang was very interested. "What's your name?"

Shi Er asked cautiously: "What does General Yan mean?"

Yan Fang was about to applaud Su Yan.

Shi Er actually protects her?

Shi Er is Zhao Mingde's man. Logically, they should stand together to cover up this matter. But now he insists on looking for the body and the secret room, and he also wants to help Su Yan.

Yan Fang smiled and said, "Just asking casually, don't mind."

Shi Er frowned, "It should be Su Yan."

Yan Fang smiled and said, "Minister Shi is a man of real talent and learning, what do you mean by 'should'?"

You are really good at pretending.

Zhao Zong walked behind Shi Er and reminded him in a low voice, "When you see the people below later, you have to pretend that you can't see them. Someone has already gone to clean them up. Just delay it for a while."

Shi Er lowered his eyes, and seemed to see Su Yan and Liang Yi staring at him from the corner of his eye, but in fact, the two of them were talking with their heads down and could not hear Zhao Zong's reminder at all.

Shi Er still felt like there was a thorn in his side.

If it were Su Yan and Liang Yi, they would definitely not agree to what Zhao Zong said.

But people have different positions. He and they have never been in the same boat. The reason he can get to where he is today is not because of Liang Yi, but because of Zhao Mingde.

Shi Er said in a deep voice: "I understand."

Su Yan was in front, pointing to the entrance of the secret room. Shi Er led people down. Yan Fang stopped Su Yan and said with a smile, "You don't have to go. Let's talk about the fire in Baiyun Temple?"

Su Yan immediately pointed at Zhao Qiujin, "She was the one who set the fire. Oh no, she didn't set the fire. She accidentally dropped the torch, and that's why the fire broke out."

Zhao Qiujin was at a loss for a moment, then raised her head and straightened her chest, "I was the one who put it there, so what!"

Liang Yi rushed over, "Who is this?"

Su Yan whispered, "She's your good sister."

Liang Yi: “Ah?”

"Someone who also likes to take the blame."

Su Yan was not trying to shirk the blame casually. She could see that Zhao Qiujin was deliberately trying to anger Zhao Zong, and Zhao Zong would not do anything to her.

With Zhao Zong around, Yan Fang would not make things difficult for her. There must be a proper reason for the fire.

So try to shift as much blame as possible, so that Zhao Qiujin can be more angry to death about Zhao Zong, Su Yan can get away with it, and everyone will be satisfied.

Liang Yi asked again: "Can Shi Er go down alone? If he destroys all the evidence, we won't be able to do anything."

Su Yan stared at the entrance to the secret room in silence.

Yes, is it possible?

Although Shi Er seemed to have some conscience, the matter was of great importance. No matter who it was, they would not go against Zhao Mingde at this moment and should just go with him.

Yan Fang stood in front of the two of them, "Your name is Su Yan? Yan as in Yanyu? What a coincidence, it's the same as my last name."

Liang Yi also had a bad face towards the little lackey Yan Fang, "Go away, don't try to get close to her. She is my friend. If you mess with her, I will fight you to the death!"

Yan Fang smiled and said, "A tall tree attracts the wind. Your Highness should be more cautious in what he does."

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhao Zong.

Liang Yi sighed.

Being a prince in this state is really frustrating. It's because he has no power or influence.

Liang Yi snorted coldly: "General Shi will be here soon, if you have anything to say, go and talk to him."

Su Yan lowered his voice and asked, "Shi Yangui is coming?"

Liang Yi leaned forward to ask for praise, "I must call him over. If I do it myself, who will listen to me? I am so smart now!"

Zhao Qiujin had been released and was rubbing her wrist. She was in great pain because the people who had arrested her had used all their strength.

She walked over to Su Yan and looked at Liang Yi curiously, "Who is this person?"

Su Yan repeated, "She's your good sister."

Zhao Qiujin: “Ah?”

Su Yan: "A person who likes to take the blame."

Zhao Qiujin: “…”

The two men stood face to face, staring at each other, neither willing to give in.

Zhao Qiujin and Su Yan complained, "I came to Gao's house just to find out my father's dirty deeds. That painting studio is not a decent place. He actually..."

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Zong pulled Zhao Qiujin over and scolded her, "Watch your words and actions!"

Yan Fang was still smiling, "Don't worry, Lieutenant Zhao, today's matter will be handled well."

Zhao Zong: "Please help, General Yan."

The two of them said this in front of Su Yan and Liang Yi, making it clear that they didn't take them seriously.

In fact, this is true. Both parties know some things very well. They are really just small characters.

Suddenly, there was a fierce fighting sound in the secret passage.

Yan Fang finally stopped smiling and said in a deep voice, "Minister Shi's people will not fight with Gao's people. Something has happened."

Just as he was about to take people down to check, a man dressed as a servant stumbled out, his cheeks bruised, obviously he had just been beaten.

The servant grabbed Yan Fang's collar and begged for help, "They're coming, they're coming! There are people everywhere down there!"

People came out one after another, all dressed as guards. Su Yan had seen some of them in Shi Mansion.

Afterwards, Shi Yangui came out of the secret passage and shouted when he saw Zhao Zong: "Zhao Zong, you are so brave!"

Su Yan looked at him in confusion.

This is... Shi Yan Gui?

*

The body was hidden in the alchemy furnace of Baiyun Temple and was found by Shi Er's subordinates.

As for the twenty or so women imprisoned in Gao's house, they were also rescued by Shi Yangui's men.

As soon as Shi Yan Gui arrived, Zhao Zong and Yan Fang could no longer do as they wished, and the case had to be thoroughly investigated.

Everyone in Baiyun Temple, Gao's residence, and the painting studio has been taken away. Tomorrow morning, the situation in the capital may change.

Liang Yi sent Su Yan home, "I really think it's unsafe for you to live here, what if they retaliate?"

Su Yan also felt that it was inappropriate, but she didn’t know where to live now.

Going to Liang Yi's house was not a formality for her as she was a woman.

Su Yan said: "I will pack my things and hide early tomorrow morning."

In such a big capital city, there is always a place for you to stay.

Liang Yi suggested: "Can Brother Yan Gui find you a place to live?"

Su Yan shook her head. She still rejected Shi Yangui, but there was one thing she didn't understand. "Shouldn't Shi Yangui go to see King Qunan? Why is he still in the capital?"

"I thought he was gone, too," Liang Yi said, "Maybe King Qunan is near the capital, and they haven't met yet?"

No one told Liang Yi about this news, and he was very depressed.

He also wanted to contribute.

Su Yan still shook his head.

After Liang Yi left, Su Yan sent the maids away.

She was really not used to being taken care of, and she would feel even more guilty if she implicated them again.

Su Yan didn't have much luggage, and after packing it up, it seemed that only the hairpin that Yun Xing gave her was worth taking away.

Su Yan found a jar of wine from the kitchen.

She couldn't drink too much alcohol, as it would cause indigestion, but she really needed to vent now.

Zhao Mingde is now second only to one person. If she doesn't rely on Shi Yangui, how can she take revenge?

Someone behind him asked, "Drinking? Something on your mind?"

Su Yan was slow to react after drinking, and thought that Liang Yi had returned, so he replied: "I was wondering if I could go into the palace and assassinate Zhao Mingde. Actually, just killing him is fine, there are many examples in history books."

Yun Xing walked over to her side and took the wine glass away. "He is in charge of the imperial guards, so it may not be that simple."

Su Yan tried to grab the wine glass, and when she leaned towards Yun Xing, she realized it was him. She was stunned for a moment, then fell towards him. Yun Xing dropped the wine glass and supported her body.

Su Yan raised his eyes and stared at him.

The distance was so close that Yun Xing felt his heart burning with anger. The wind blew in the middle of the night, bringing a hint of ambiguity.

Yun Xing stepped back with a stern face.

Su Yan slowly stood up while holding onto the railing, "How did you get here without being exposed?"

Yun Xing still looked unnatural, "I hid quickly, they didn't see me."

"Tell me the truth," Su Yan asked, "Are you working for the prince now?"

Su Yan still hoped that he could stand in her camp.

Yun Xing denied it, "No."

Su Yan was a little disappointed.

Yun Xing saw her disappointment, and although she didn’t ask, he continued, “…but it’s not for Zhao Mingde either.”

Su Yan asked in confusion: "Are there others?"

The current emperor is bedridden. After clearing out the eunuchs, we need someone who can legitimately inherit the throne so that all officials will be convinced and have a legitimate reason to do so.

If it wasn’t the prince, who else could it be? It couldn’t be Liang Yi, right?

Su Yan stared at Yun Xing's mask. "If people in the Zhou Dynasty covered their faces, they would always cover the lower half. But you always cover the upper half. Why is that?"

Yun Xing said: "There are some questions I can't answer now."

Su Yan raised his eyebrows, "Could it be that observing the eyes can help us better recognize someone?"

She walked closer to Yunxing, "I seem to have seen your eyes before, but they are not quite the same. I'm not sure."

Yunxing continued to retreat until there was no way to retreat.

Su Yan said: "You promised me that you would not hide it from me."

Yun Xing's throat moved.

He didn't want to hide it. In the past, perhaps he wouldn't have to hide it, but now the arrow was on the string. If he told the truth, it would probably only cause more troubles for Su Yan.

Yun Xing avoided Su Yan's question and said, "There are many people involved in the Gao residence incident. Not everyone can keep silent. Before I came, someone had confessed that those women were detained at the order of Zhao Zong. As for why they had to take the elixir, there is no conclusion yet."

"Where is the painting studio?"

"Just like you thought, some of the maids in Gao's house, represented by Chenyu, were used for their amusement. Zhao Zong's wife was strict and did not allow him to take concubines. He used the painting studio as a cover, and the person Chenyu went to find was him. Zhao Qiujin saw her father hanging out with a woman and burned the painting studio in anger. Zhao Zong did not dare to make this public."

The purpose of these maids is different from that of Manrong and others.

Su Yan said: "The key is to find out why they were forced to take the elixir. And the corpse, they said she was still useful... Actually, I have some ideas, but I don't really believe it. Where are the prince and the concubine?"

"The officers and soldiers are checking the secret passage and have found the private residence. The prince and concubine have already left."

Su Yan said, "I'm afraid Liang Di has already stiffened. They appeared in a private residence and caused a death. How will the prince explain it?"

"That concubine is not of high status. She only has her current position because of her good relationship with the prince. The prince probably...explains it however he wants."

Su Yan muttered, "He doesn't sound like a good person."

Yun Xing reminded: "Be careful what you say."

"You're the only one here. By the way, what are you doing here? It's so late, and you probably wouldn't come to see me if it's nothing important."

Yun Xing remained silent.

Su Yan waited patiently.

Yun Xing turned around and faced Su Yan, "I said I won't lie to you."

Su Yan said: "I know, tell me."

"I..." Yun Xing whispered, "I came to say goodbye to you."

Su Yan was slightly stunned, "Goodbye? With me?"

Yun Xing looked at Su Yan, "There is an errand that needs me to do. I will not return to the capital."

Su Yan was stunned for a moment, then stood up in confusion, "You want to leave the capital? Why?"

Yun Xing said: "This is difficult and will take time, so I came to say goodbye to you today. We have known each other for a long time, so we should see it through to the end."

Su Yan couldn't figure it out. She had a lot of questions she wanted to ask, but as soon as she saw Yun Xing, those words got stuck in her heart and she couldn't say them.

She didn't know how determined he was to say goodbye to her. If it were her, she might not be able to do it.

Su Yan's hands became colder and colder, and he couldn't help shaking.

But she still smiled at Yun Xing, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you. I finally get the treatment that a friend deserves. You... take care."

*

Su Yan was awakened by nightmares several times.

Every time she woke up, there was a layer of sweat on her pillow. This happened over and over again, and she started to have a fever at night.

Su Yan found some herbs for himself and squatted in front of the stove to boil the medicine, his eyes becoming increasingly unfocused.

The errand Yunxing was talking about was probably not an ordinary one.

Is he unable to return to Beijing, or is he not allowed to return to Beijing?

This job...will cost me my head, right?

That's why he said it was the last time they met.

He went there with the determination to die.

Su Yan didn't know who he was working for now, but it was definitely not Zhao Mingde.

Or does he have to die for what he is about to do?

In these troubled times, there was very little she could do.

No matter how reluctant I am, I can only wish Yunxing a smooth journey and a successful start.

As soon as the sun rose, Liang Yi rushed to tell Su Yan the good news.

The door of the wing room was open, and he didn't see Su Yan, but found her in the kitchen instead.

Su Yan fell to the ground, the fire in the stove had gone out, and there was an empty bowl on the chopping board.

Liang Yi was so frightened that he was about to go find a doctor when Su Yan got up from the ground.

"What’s wrong with you?!"

Su Yan patted the dust off his clothes and said, "I have a fever. I boiled some medicine for you to take."

"You boiled medicine for yourself?!" Liang Yi looked at the empty bowl in shock, "Did you drink it?"

Su Yan said, "My father is a doctor. It's nothing strange for me to prescribe a prescription for myself, right?"

"No, you lighted the fire and boiled the medicine yourself?" Liang Yi helped Su Yan up and complained, "You are so bold. You dare to light a fire when you are sick. What if there is a fire? Where is the maid? Did you drive her away?"

Su Yan emphasized: "I put out the fire on purpose before going to bed!"

"Just sleeping on the floor?"

Su Yan: "..., I'm too tired! I don't want to walk anymore!"

Liang Yi sent Su Yan to the side room and didn't feel at ease until he found a doctor to see her.

Su Yan knew his condition. It was just a fever. Two doses of medicine would be enough for the fever. There was no point in seeing a doctor.

After the doctor left, Liang Yi asked, "Why are you sick? A cold? Or were you frightened at Baiyun Temple?"

The last one is the most unlikely. Liang Yi can still remember Su Yan sitting on the pile of bones and putting together corpses. He looked like a fish in water and quite "happy".

Su Yan sighed and suddenly became sentimental, "Maybe it's lovesickness."

Liang Yi touched Su Yan's forehead and asked, "Is your brain burnt out?"

Su Yan said listlessly: "Yun Xing is leaving."

"Where are you going?"

"Doing his errand."

"What's so strange about that? I have my own errands, too."

Su Yan sighed again, "I think his mission is probably very dangerous and he won't come back."

"Ah?" Liang Yi was stunned for a moment, and said, "Is it so dangerous to work for Zhao Mingde? He might as well follow me. Are you sad for him? No, you just said you are in love with him... Are you really attracted to Brother Yun?!"

Liang Yi almost jumped up.

Su Yan said: "Maybe, I always feel that he would not take human life lightly, but it may be that I am overthinking it."

"This... let's not talk about this for now," Liang Yi asked sincerely, "You are interested in Brother Yun, what should Shi Yangui do?"

Su Yan: “?”

Liang Yi said: "Isn't it obvious? He has a good impression of you."

Su Yan didn't care much. "He is pragmatic. How could he marry someone who can't help him at all? Whatever his mother says is what he will obey."

The relationship was complicated, so Liang Yi didn't dare to say anything more.

Su Yan asked: "Has there been any result regarding the Gao residence?"

Liang Yi patted his thigh and asked, "Why do you think the people in Gao's house feed those women with elixirs?"

Su Yan shook his head to indicate that he didn't know.

"They confessed everything. They were using people to make pills!"