54 King of Liao
◎The person she was waiting for came back◎
A house in the southwest corner of the city caught fire late at night, and the whole house was reduced to ruins inside and out.
It was said that the victims were the family of an official named Qi, and that no one in his household, over a hundred in number, had escaped unscathed. Early that morning, the news spread through the streets and alleys, leaving those who heard it in a state of deep sorrow.
The weather is dry, so be careful with fire.
When the news reached the Yan residence, Wei Ziyan and Liu Yuer began to speculate. Later, Wu Guanyi and Yan Qizheng returned with news confirming something fishy was going on.
Qi Lique had visited the residence of Minister of Personnel Fang Jikai last night, presumably to plead with him to rescue his daughter. Unexpectedly, his entire family was slaughtered overnight, and the Qi family's home burned to the ground.
Massacred? Not killed in the fire?
As Wei Ziyan was shocked, Yan Qizhen informed her of the on-site investigation and conclusions.
"There were traces of blood on the ground, and obvious knife marks were found on the charred body. The murderer first killed the person, then doused the body with kerosene to destroy the evidence."
Such brutal means are chilling.
Thinking of Qi Baozhu kneeling and begging in the Prince's Mansion that day, Wei Ziyan couldn't describe the feeling in her heart.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wanted to use Qi Baoyu to lure the snake out of its hole. Now the snake has come out, but the hundreds of people in the Qi family have suffered an unprovoked disaster.
"Minister of Justice Fang Jikai..." Liu Yu'er muttered it over and over again, as if she wanted to remember this person well.
"It's him!" Wu Guanyi said in a sullen tone.
"They pretended to arrange a marriage between the Wu and Qi families, and appeared to be loyal to the Crown Prince, supporting land tax reform. But in reality, they flattered the Crown Prince in front of His Majesty, making Him believe that the Crown Prince was in a clique with the court officials for personal gain, leading to suspicion and the removal of the Crown Prince."
"Look at the people he's used: Shen Bawan, the leader of the Shen Clan, Shen Zui, and Qi Lique. Which of them met a good end? He's so cunning and ruthless, truly worthy of being the right-hand man of the Liao King."
"And there's Magistrate Luo from the northern border." Yan Qizhen added from the side.
Each one is a puppet to be sacrificed.
After all, the truly vicious one was the King of Liao who was far away in the northern border.
Everything Fang Jikai did in Beijing, and everything Magistrate Luo did in the northern border, was instigated by him. For his own selfish desires, he even spared innocent people like Old Man Liu.
Yan Qizhen couldn't help but think of those words - that person is a ruthless man who followed to become the emperor, how could he let you live in this world?
So anyone who stands in his way must die!
Wei Ziyan listened to them silently. The more she listened, the more anxious she became, and her face turned pale.
The Liao King is so cruel and merciless. He has already acted so recklessly when he is away from the capital. Wouldn't he be even more ruthless when he returns? I'm afraid there will be a lot of bloodshed.
"What's wrong?" Yan Qizhen suddenly noticed that she looked unusual.
"I...I feel uneasy..."
"Don't be afraid." Yan Qizheng gently covered her hand with his palm. "Your Highness the Crown Prince has already collected evidence. When the King of Liao arrives in Beijing, Your Highness will report everything to the Emperor."
"Will His Majesty believe it?"
"The evidence is irrefutable. Your Majesty will not be so confused."
"Then how will His Majesty punish him?" Liu Yu'er was particularly concerned about the Liao King's final fate. "After all, he is his own son. He won't take his life, right?"
Yan Qizheng nodded, it was very likely.
"However, assassinating the Crown Prince is a serious crime of treason. Even if Your Majesty wishes to protect the King of Liao, the Empress and the other ministers will not allow it. He may be spared the death penalty, but he cannot escape the punishment of life."
Liu Yu'er looked depressed. Everyone knew what she was worried about at the moment. She was unwilling to see her enemy not brought to justice.
"It's hard to say about the King of Liao, but Fang Jikai will definitely not be able to escape!" Wu Guanyi comforted her.
"If Your Majesty is truly reluctant to punish the King of Liao, he must kill him to appease the court's suspicions. The King of Liao has lost his right-hand man and power, and it will be difficult for him to act recklessly in the future!"
Liu Yu'er was silent for a moment before asking, "How long do we have to wait?"
"It's almost there," Wu Guanyi said. "The King of Liao's carriages are already eight hundred miles outside the city. Even if they're slow, they'll definitely arrive before Mid-Autumn Festival."
There is still half a month left.
"Once this matter is settled, you won't have to—"
"Let's talk about it later." Liu Yu'er interrupted Wu Guanyi and stood up from her chair.
"I woke up early today and want to go back to sleep. Excuse me." After saying this, he bowed and took his leave.
“Eh—”
Wu Guanyi was about to follow when Yan Qizhen stopped him.
"Let her figure it out on her own."
"I'm just worried she'll get carried away." Wu Guanyi's eyebrows knitted together, a look of anxiety hard to conceal. "If she insists on having her own way and is determined to avenge her brother's murder..."
Yan Qizhen and Wei Ziyan both understood the remaining words.
If Liu Yu'er wanted to seek revenge, it would be like hitting a rock with an egg. However, she came all the way to Liangjing alone, just to find her enemy and take revenge.
Not only Wu Guanyi, Wei Ziyan was also worried that even if it was like fighting a desperate battle, Liu Yuer would do anything.
"I'll go take a look."
"Sister-in-law, please give me some advice."
"I know."
Wei Ziyan went to the west wing, and Qiu Luo gave her a dark look at the door. As expected, as soon as she entered, Liu Yuer politely persuaded her to leave.
"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, I just want to be alone."
"Sister Liu..."
"Even if I wanted to, I can't grow wings and fly out to kill people, right?" The faint smile on Liu Yu'er's lips revealed a bit of powerlessness.
Seeing her like this, Wei Ziyan said nothing more. Before leaving, she only told Qiu Luo to watch carefully.
That night, clouds obscured the moon, and the night was hushed and silent. Two osmanthus trees planted in the corner were already budding, their delicate fragrance drifting across the courtyard on the breeze.
Wei Ziyan stood in the courtyard with her head held high. As her mind wandered, she felt a slight heaviness in her shoulders.
"It's cold at night, so keep warm." Yan Qizheng shook out the cloak in his hand and held it tightly around her shoulders.
Wei Ziyan came back to her senses, looked at him, then turned to face him, smiled faintly and asked, "Looking for the moon?"
After a moment of hesitation, Wei Ziyan followed his words and said, "...Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon."
"Yes," Yan Qizheng raised his hand and bent down to tie the laces of her cloak. "Grandpa will be here soon."
"Yeah?"
"Mother just received a letter from my grandfather, saying that they are not far from Liangjing and will arrive in another week."
"That's good."
The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and family reunion finally brought some ripples to Wei Ziyan's depressed mood.
"My grandparents probably don't even recognize me."
"Most likely." Yan Qizheng's lips curved again: "After all, girls change a lot when they grow up."
Wei Ziyan glanced at him intently but did not refute.
Because she knew that Yan Qizhen said these things just to distract her thoughts and make her happy.
The series of events that had unfolded since late spring was about to culminate in the conviction of the Liao king, just as the clouds in the sky were about to dissipate, leaving the earth with a bright, clear moon.
By then, everyone will feel relieved, and Liu Yuer's mood may also become different.
The next morning, Wei Ziyan had washed and dressed. When she heard that Liu Yu'er had already gotten up, she was about to ask Leng Xiang to go to the west wing to invite her to have breakfast together, but Liu Yu'er was already outside the room.
"Please come in."
"yes."
A moment later, Leng Xiang brought Liu Yu'er in. Wei Ziyan took a closer look. Liu Yu'er looked a little haggard, but the gloom in her eyes was gone from yesterday.
Not only that, there was a faint smile on his face at this moment.
"Sister Liu, please sit down."
Suppressing her doubts, Wei Ziyan invited Liu Yu'er to sit down, and Ping'er added bowls and chopsticks in due time. Liu Yu'er sat down readily and spoke a shocking statement as soon as she opened her mouth.
"We won't have the chance to have breakfast together anymore."
Wei Ziyan's movements suddenly froze: "What do you mean, sister?"
"I'm leaving now."
"Where are you going?"
"Return to Northern Xinjiang."
These three words completely caught Wei Ziyan off guard. She knew Liu Yu'er wouldn't stay, but she hadn't expected that before the Mid-Autumn Festival, she had already made up her mind in just one night, as if the grudge she had been holding against her enemy yesterday had never happened.
"Why... so suddenly?"
"I've been thinking about it all night. If the prince can't kill the King of Liao with his power, how can I, a woman with nothing, do it?" Liu Yu'er showed a hint of bitterness on her face.
"Since I can't kill the King of Liao, there's no point in me staying here any longer. I might as well go home early."
"Why don't you wait until after the Mid-Autumn Festival to see how the King of Liao is punished?"
"It makes no difference whether you see it or not." Liu Yu'er's tone was calm, yet it revealed a sense of determination. "Someone needs to take care of Uncle Liu's body. I miss my brother and mother, too."
"Sister Liu..."
Perhaps it was too sudden, Wei Ziyan felt reluctant to leave. She was about to speak to ask him to stay, but was stopped by Liu Yuer's words: "We agreed not to keep me."
Wei Ziyan opened her mouth and looked at her reluctantly.
"All good things must come to an end. We can keep in touch through letters from now on." Liu Yu'er smiled at her.
"But the journey to the northern border is long, and I'm worried about you going alone."
"Then I came alone, didn't I?"
“…”
That being said, times are different now...
After a moment's silence, Wei Ziyan opened her mouth quietly, but her tone was unyielding: "At least, wait for me to prepare your carriage and luggage for you."
This time, Liu Yu'er agreed. The situation had been so sudden, and Wei Ziyan calmly considered her plans. Liu Yu'er didn't want to make a public announcement, simply wanting to leave as quickly as possible. She had become indifferent to life and death, unconcerned with the risks of the journey. But Wei Ziyan wasn't like that. Since she was being arranged to return home, she had to ensure her safety.
I even want to keep her safe in her hometown.
After much thought, the only person I can ask for help is Yan Qizheng.
Wei Ziyan asked Xu Ji to deliver a letter to the eldest master, asking him to come back early today, and then hurriedly took Qiu Luo back to her parents' home.
Mrs. Wei was about to take a nap when she heard her daughter had returned. She was not sure whether to be surprised or happy. When she saw her daughter, she asked to borrow money as soon as she opened her mouth, leaving Mrs. Wei even more confused.
"What happened between you and Qi Zheng?"
"No, it has nothing to do with him." Wei Ziyan was a little amused.
However, her mother would not agree to borrow the money unless she explained the matter clearly, so Wei Ziyan explained the reason honestly.
"Liu Yu'er has no one to rely on and her savings are limited. Now she is going back home alone, and I want to raise some money for her so that she can make long-term plans."
She didn't have much cash on hand, and the journey was long, so it would be more appropriate to carry banknotes. The amount was small, and Liu Yu'er wouldn't accept more. The quickest solution she could think of was to ask her mother for help.
Mrs. Wei knew Liu Yu'er's life story well, and she felt sorry for her loneliness and helplessness. After hearing her daughter's story, she didn't hesitate and immediately asked Wang Xing to go to the bank to exchange some silver bills.
While waiting for Wang Xing, Mrs. Wei took her daughter aside and asked her all sorts of questions.
"Have you heard? The Qi family was burned down by a fire!" Mrs. Wei couldn't help but touch her chest when she mentioned the tragedy of the previous night.
"Your father said that everyone in the court was talking about this fire, saying it was strange and not a natural disaster, but a man-made disaster!"
"I heard about it." Wei Ziyan couldn't say anything more, so she could only comfort her mother. "Your Majesty is wise. Whether it's a natural disaster or a man-made disaster, the final decision will be made. The evil murderer can't escape. Mother, don't be alarmed."
"Sigh..." Madam Wei shook her head and sighed, "Over a hundred people! Even if the murderer is brought to justice, it can't make up for the countless lives lost unjustly!"
The topic was heavy, and the mother and daughter grew silent as they spoke. Fortunately, Wang Xing was quick and returned in just two cups of tea. Wei Ziyan received the banknote and, without further delay, stood up to say goodbye to her mother.
When Madam Wei sent her daughter out, she saw that she didn't bring any guards except Qiu Luo, so she hurriedly asked Wang Xing to escort her all the way.
"The world is not peaceful, why don't you take it easy?"
"I won't do it next time." Wei Ziyan responded obediently.
This time they left in a hurry, thinking that the two houses were not far apart and were in a prosperous area of the city, so there would be no chance for the bad guys to cause trouble openly.
Wang Xing called two guards to escort them. Halfway through the journey, the road ahead was congested, so Wang Xing asked the driver to take an alternative route. Wei Ziyan lifted the curtain and happened to catch a glimpse of the embroidery shop sign, which suddenly moved her.
The carriage stopped at the door of the embroidery shop, and Wei Ziyan and Qiu Luo got off.
"Why do you suddenly want to make clothes?" Qiu Luo was puzzled, and Wei Ziyan smiled.
"If you don't make clothes, make shoes."
Yan Qizhen hinted at it last time, and since the weather is getting colder, I might as well take this opportunity to make him two pairs of warm boots.
This time, she was more than familiar with the process. Wei Ziyan quickly selected two pairs of men's deerskin boots with auspicious cloud embroidery on the uppers. The shopkeeper had a record of the previous order; the size could be based on the previous one.
"The eldest master will be very happy to know this."
"Don't tell him yet."
"I know that the young lady wants to give the eldest master a surprise."
After paying the bill, the master and servant came out of the store, chatting and laughing. Wei Ziyan's eyes accidentally glanced at a person on the side of the road. Unexpectedly, the person seemed startled and hurriedly turned away.
Wei Ziyan was puzzled and glanced at him twice when she got on the carriage.
"What's wrong?" Qiu Luo noticed that she was looking into the distance.
Wei Ziyan wasn't sure. Perhaps she was being overly suspicious. The man was wearing ordinary clothes and didn't look like a villain.
"Nothing." Wei Ziyan got into the carriage.
Meanwhile, Yan Qi, having received news of Xu Ji's passing in the Eastern Palace, wasted little time and rode his horse back to the mansion. As soon as he entered the house, Wei Ziyan returned.
"What's the rush?"
Hearing that she had returned to her parents' home and hadn't brought guards with her, Yan Qizhen sounded somewhat blaming.
"I... went home to ask my mother for money, and I didn't want to make it public."
Wei Ziyan told Yan Qizheng the truth. In fact, besides being in a hurry to leave, another reason she kept silent was that she didn't want others to know that she went back to her parents' home to raise money.
If this gets to Madam Yan, it might cause another disturbance.
"You can tell me that I can't get the banknotes? Why do you need to make a special trip?" Yan Qizhen's tone remained the same.
Wei Ziyan knew Yan Qizheng would help her if she asked. However, she couldn't burden him with everything regarding Liu Yuer's affairs. Furthermore, she was too embarrassed to speak up when it came to money...
The person in front of him raised his phoenix eyes and looked at him with difficulty. How could Yan Qizhen not understand?
He thought he had entered her heart, but at the critical moment, the person she trusted most and opened her heart to was not him.
After a moment of silence, Yan Qizhen concealed his unhappiness.
"Why did you call me back?"
Seeing his tone relax, Wei Ziyan quickly relayed Liu Yuer's words to him that morning. Facing Yan Qizheng's slightly surprised expression, she expressed her own hidden concerns.
"The King of Liao is on his way back to the capital, but Sister Liu insisted on returning to Northern Xinjiang at this very moment. I'm afraid she made this sudden decision because she actually wants to fight the King of Liao to the death."
Yan Qi was silent and pondering. Theoretically, it wasn't feasible. The Liao king's convoy was heavily guarded, and Liu Yu'er alone wouldn't even stand a chance of getting close. Going there would be tantamount to committing suicide.
"So you want me to find someone to escort her back home?"
It can not only put an end to such delusions, but also ensure that Liu Yuer can return home safely.
"Is it okay?" Wei Ziyan looked up at Yan Qizheng.
"This is not difficult. I can discuss it with Shouzhong—"
"Sister Liu doesn't want Master Wu to know."
Yan Qi was halfway through his words when she interrupted him. After a pause, he asked, "Do you think so too?"
"I……"
Wei Ziyan certainly didn't think so, and she even hoped that Master Wu II could persuade Liu Yu'er to stay. But she knew very well that no one could change Liu Yu'er's mind.
"If Shouzhong refuses to let go, even if we find out later, we'll chase him all the way to the Northern Frontier. If he can't give up everything, what's the harm in knowing now? Let them make their own choice."
Yan Qizhen's few words were like enlightenment.
Yes! Each of them has their own stubbornness, and hiding the truth from one of them can only last for a while. If the Second Young Master Wu is willing to accompany Liu Yu'er to a distant land, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
Liu Yu'er was afraid that she would have to compromise in Wu Mansion, rather than that someone would be willing to live a simple life with her and follow her heart!
After figuring this out, Wei Ziyan let Yan Qizhen make the arrangements, while she kept her mouth shut to Liu Yuer.
Two days later, the carriage was ready, and she and Yan Qizheng escorted Liu Yu'er out of the city. The two sisters said goodbye in the carriage until they reached the Ten-Li Pavilion outside the city gate, where the carriage stopped.
"After sending you a thousand miles, we must finally say goodbye. Zi Yan has sent her sister here."
"Thank you, Ziyan."
Outside the carriage, Yan Qizheng dismounted and led his horse towards Wu Guanyi, who had been waiting for him at the pavilion. They parted today, not knowing when they would meet again. The two of them clasped their fists together.
"Take care of yourself."
"Thank you very much."
"Sister Liu, this journey is long, and it's really hard to feel at ease. There are several guards outside the car to escort you along the way. I hope Sister Liu won't refuse."
“Eh—”
Without waiting for Liu Yu'er to politely refuse, Wei Ziyan quickly got off the carriage.
"Zi Yan--" Liu Yu'er stuck her head out of the car window and unexpectedly met Wu Guanyi who was approaching. She opened her eyes wide in surprise.
"Second Master Wu..."
"Don't worry, I'll be back after I get you home. I won't bother you."
"you……"
"I have official business. My father assigned me an errand in the northern border."
“…”
While Liu Yu'er was speechless, Wu Guanyi stretched out his hand to pull the curtain of the carriage and shouted an order: "Let's go!"
Dust flew under the wheels and horses' hooves, and several mounts moved forward with the carriage.
Wei Ziyan and Yan Qi stood there, watching them leave intently. To be honest, she was worried that Liu Yu'er would jump off the carriage at this moment.
Fortunately not.
Perhaps Liu Yuer finally understood that Wu Guanyi was even more stubborn than her.
As they walked further and further away, the Wuguan Yijiu master who was walking in front of the car waved his hands twice behind his back to them.
"My own people, of course I will escort them myself!"
When Yan Qi was discussing with Wu Guanyi, Wu Guanyi patted his chest and said that he had to go on this trip.
With him escorting her all the way, Wei Ziyan felt relieved and only hoped that he could fulfill his long-cherished wish on this trip.
"Let's go."
The carriage had already gone far away, and Yan Qi was holding out a hand to her. At this moment, there was only one horse beside them, and they were about to ride together.
Wei Ziyan extended her hand, her large palm enveloping her as Yan Qi led her onto the horse. He sat behind her, holding the reins with both hands, completely embracing her in his arms.
Although she was not as flustered as before, Wei Ziyan had not ridden a horse for many days and suddenly became interested.
"I'll drive the horses."
Yan Qizhen handed the reins to her without saying a word. His hands did not move away, but instead grasped the hand rings in front of the saddle, holding her tightly.
Just as she was about to ask him to take his hand back, she felt a sudden heat beside her ear: "Don't run too fast, you can't handle it."
Yan Qi was breathing into her ear, and then he noticed that her fair neck was covered with a layer of red, especially the tip of her ear.
The corners of his lips curved up, and he was about to tease her a little more when, with a "Gee!", Wei Ziyan clamped her legs against the horse's belly and spurred the horse into a gallop.
Wei Ziyan hadn't styled her hair today, and the strong wind blew her loose strands straight into his face, hitting his eyes, nose, and mouth. Yan Qi was grinning bitterly, but he could only close his eyes and mouth to hold it in. Fortunately, the ten-mile run was not long, and he soon returned to the city gate.
After entering the city gate, the two men dismounted and walked.
Wei Ziyan hadn't exercised in a while, and even after just a few moments of bouncing, she felt a slight discomfort on the inside of her thighs. Seeing the difference in her walking posture, Yan Qizheng understood. He'd told her she couldn't handle running fast, but she wouldn't listen.
"There's a teahouse in front. Let's stop by and take a break before we continue."
"good."
The proposal was exactly what Wei Ziyan wanted, and the two of them immediately entered the teahouse and went up to a private room on the second floor to rest. Yan Qizheng ordered some tea and snacks and asked the waiter to help him hire a carriage.
It was dusty outside the city. Wei Ziyan wiped her hands and face with a handkerchief, but she saw Yan Qi stretching his legs and wiping the dust off his shoes with the handkerchief he had used to wipe his hands. He muttered with regret, "Just washed it, and it's dirty again..."
Wei Ziyan immediately understood the hidden meaning this time, but she deliberately ignored him and ate her snacks while suppressing her smile.
The owner of the embroidery shop said he could expedite the order for her, but the deerskin boots were made with exquisite craftsmanship, so it would take at least seven or eight days to get them.
"This candied fruit is delicious, sour and sweet. Would you like to try it?"
Wei Ziyan handed one to Yan Qizhen, but he lowered his eyes to glance at the candied fruit, then raised his eyelids to glance at her, and turned away angrily.
"I don't like sweet and sour."
"So what do you like?"
Yan Qizheng felt even more depressed.
Until now, I don’t even know what his favorite taste is, and he still looks innocent.
After a quick sip of tea, the hired carriage arrived. Yan Qi was about to ask the waiter to settle the bill when he was told, "The distinguished guest's bill has already been settled by a young master."
"Which young master?" Yan Qi was surprised.
"I don't know him. I only heard the servant beside him call him 'Master Zhao'."
Prince Zhao?
Prince Zhao!
Yan Qi was still searching his memory for the same three words when Wei Ziyan was shocked as if by thunder and asked the waiter anxiously, "When did he leave?"
"Just left..."
Wei Ziyan stood up immediately and rushed out of the private room without saying anything. She ran downstairs and chased him all the way to the outside of the teahouse, but she didn't see any familiar faces.
She stood on the street, looking left and right, searching among the passing crowd. The eagerness and anxiety on her face showed her urgency to find this "Master Zhao".
Yan Qi was standing at the door of the teahouse, and the doubts that had been chasing him all the way finally had an answer.
There is no need to ask, this Prince Zhao must be that person.
The person she was waiting for came back...
【Author’s words】
Heartbroken [covering face and laughing and crying]
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