Chapter 2 Snatching a Man from Xiao Yinshi's Hands and Stealing a Woman
On a snowy night, Feng Tan rode her horse to Baihua Street. The biting wind, mixed with icy snowflakes, chilled her to the bone. After a quarter of an hour, the horse stopped in front of a magnificent and luxurious building.
The Red Sleeve Pavilion boasts a grand and flamboyant facade, with embroidered palace lanterns adorning its vermilion beams and painted rafters. Silk curtains and embroidered windows create a hazy and ambiguous atmosphere, filled with the sounds of laughter, string and wind instruments, singing, and dancing. Beautiful women move about among the crowds, creating an atmosphere of decadent indulgence.
Feng Tan glanced at it and then looked away. A perceptive servant came to lead the horse and said in a low voice, "Young Master Feng, Boss Ren has not yet returned from the capital. He has entrusted all the affairs of the pavilion to Li Niang. Li Niang said she is waiting for you in room C on the third floor."
After saying this, the servant handed Feng Tan a key, saying, "The situation is urgent, please enter through the side door."
There were far fewer guests on the third floor compared to the first and second floors. The ambiguous sounds of men and women making love faded away. Feng Tan stopped in front of room number C, knocked on the door, and said, "Li Niang."
The tightly closed door suddenly opened, and a slender, beautiful finger adorned with nail polish shot out and pulled Feng Tan inside.
Li Niang's pretty face was filled with anxiety, and the gold thread wrapped around her snow-white wrist was also in a mess. "Brother Feng, you've finally arrived! I was so worried!"
"The day before yesterday, Wan Niang was arrested by the officials because of the deaths of those two officials, and I knew that something big was going to happen at Hongxiu Pavilion. Sure enough, a day later, Gao Yu, the Minister of Justice, sent a team of soldiers to forcibly take Wan Zhou away! Wan Zhou is indeed a courtesan, but she is only fourteen years old this year, still a child! Moreover, women of Hongxiu Pavilion cannot be taken out of the pavilion without an amnesty document issued by the court! What right does Gao Yu have to take Wan Zhou away and hand her over to that ruthless Yama!"
“I have already trusted Ping Sheng. She will rush back as soon as she receives the news, but until then, we have no way of knowing anything about Wan Zhou. What should we do?”
"Ren Pingsheng usually doesn't leave the capital, but she happened to leave at this time, leaving me with this mess. How am I supposed to deal with this pack of wolves and tigers in official robes!"
She rattled off a string of words, sharp and clear, and finally asked the question that had been on her mind: "It's true that the deaths of those two officials were related to Wan Niang, but why did Gao Yu offer Wan Zhou to Xiao Yin?"
On the way here on horseback, Feng Tan had already sorted out the cause and effect of the matter. She said, "The two officials who died were from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, and now the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue have secretly been taken over by Prince Chu, Feng Tingyan."
Li Niang suddenly realized, "It's a power struggle! Emperor Chongming has been childless for many years, and his legitimate princess disappeared eight years ago. He only has one illegitimate princess, Cheng Huan. When His Majesty passes away, the throne will definitely be decided between Prince Jing and Prince Chu. The two officials who were assassinated were from Prince Chu Feng Ting Yan's group, so the murderer is very likely Prince Jing Feng Cheng."
Feng Tan denied it, saying, "This matter is not that simple. Even if the people from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue are killed, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue will not belong to Prince Jing. On the contrary, he will get into trouble. Feng Cheng will not do a losing deal. There must be someone stirring up trouble behind the scenes. As for Gao Yu's purpose in presenting Lin Wanzhou to Xiao Yin, it is easier to see."
Li Niang asked, "What is it?"
"The Emperor pressured the Ministry of Justice to find the real culprit within a month and dispatched the Criminal Investigation Department to supervise the investigation. I am just a seventh-rank official, and Gao Yu will not take me seriously. What he is really afraid of is Xiao Yinshi, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Supreme Censorate. Xiao Yinshi is already at the center of power in Dahuang. He doesn't care about money, and he doesn't like ordinary women. But what if the most beautiful woman in the capital is sent to his bedside? Gao Yu is gambling. If he wins, his official position will be secure. If he loses, he will only be punished for knowingly breaking the law and will be fined three months' salary. Of course, this is just my guess."
Li Niang cursed, "That despicable, shameless, filthy old man, that lowlife dog, why isn't that dick inside his cunt rotten inside!"
Feng Tan glanced at her, and Li Niang said awkwardly, "I'm used to speaking in a vulgar way, did I scare Young Master Feng?"
Feng Tan said, "No, you cursed very well."
Wan Niang chuckled, her heart filled with joy. Her former lover had only told her that they secretly used part of their profits to support an eight-year-old boy from a distant rural village. Like them, the boy had experienced hardship in his childhood, but unlike them, he was a boy, and a gifted one at that, qualified to take the imperial examinations and become an official.
Ren Pingsheng painted a very grand picture, saying that if this child became an official in the court and rose to a high position, she would request an imperial decree to rescue them all. After that, the sisters would be free and could support themselves by embroidery, farming, washing, or trading.
So they waited and waited, hoping and hoping, and entrusted Ren Pingsheng to send letter after letter to the boy far away. They were mostly asking if he needed money, whether the villagers had mistreated him, and so on. They cherished him so much, and even though they had never met, he was still someone they hoped for.
Letter after letter were sent, and nine years later, Ren Pingsheng finally loosened his grip and said that the child had passed the imperial examination and entered officialdom, so their lives became more hopeful.
The Red Sleeve Pavilion was a paradise, but not their paradise. The Red Sleeve Pavilion was bustling and prosperous, yet they felt only endless desolation there. They longed to leave, even if it was just to pay their respects to their executed parents.
Thinking of this, Li Niang's eyes became a little moist. She wiped her eyes seemingly unintentionally and said to Feng Tan, "Wan Niang suffered such a calamity and must be suffering greatly in prison. Wan Zhou is the youngest and doesn't understand much. Apart from me and Ren Pingsheng, the other sisters in the pavilion don't know that Brother Feng is the young master they've been longing for. Speaking of which, how do you plan to rescue Wan Zhou?"
Feng Tan was also troubled by this matter. What was the difference between snatching a woman from Xiao Yinshi and snatching a dead person from the King of Hell?
No, there are still some.
Xiao Yinshi was more terrifying than Yama, the King of Hell.
“I’ll find a way,” Feng Tan said, her fingers touching the latch. She opened the door with force, letting in warm light. She turned and gave Li Niang a deep look. “Lin Wanzhou, you absolutely cannot get into trouble.”
The boy already had exceptionally beautiful eyes, and when he looked back, the unwavering intensity in his eyes was so intense it made one's heart tremble, as if tender emotions were rising and spreading from the misty light.
Li Niang stared in amazement for a moment, then leaned against the window and chuckled, "This is truly unbelievable."
Approaching forty, she was captivated by a young man who had just started out in his career.
***
As soon as Feng Tan left Hongxiu Pavilion, Meng Henabuer immediately held up an umbrella to shield her head, saying, "The snow is heavy, you're tired, it's late, we'll save you tomorrow."
Feng Tan took the umbrella from Meng Henaboul and handed him the umbrella that Liniang had prepared for her, saying, "Uncle Meng, you forgot to bring your own umbrella again. Here, quickly put it on."
Menghenabul's eyes remained fixed, stubbornly staring at Feng Tan.
Feng Tan had no choice but to compromise, saying, "Alright, we'll try again tomorrow. It's already late, and I can't just force my way into the Censorate."
Menghenabul then accepted the umbrella from Feng Tan and said, "Then go back and rest."
Their rented place in the capital was a bit far from the bustling Baihua Street. Land under the emperor's nose was extremely valuable. Feng Tan was a minor official of the seventh rank, with a monthly salary of four taels of silver. So she rented a house in the more remote Yongshoufang, paying one tael of silver per month. If she was frugal, she could still have some money left over each month.
The small house was dimly lit by candlelight. Feng Tan drank the medicinal soup specially prepared by Menghe Nabul to make her voice hoarse, and slowly untied the breast wrap that had been binding her all day before she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The next morning, the small courtyard was covered in a blanket of white snow. A half-meter-long gyrfalcon perched on the old locust tree in the center of the courtyard. Its dark eyes darted around, and the moment it saw Feng Tan push open the door, it spread its wings and flew to her.
Feng Tan stretched out his arm and untied the letter tube between its claws. There were three small characters written on it: "Fangchun Garden".
Wasn't Fangchun Garden a place for high-ranking officials and nobles to listen to music and make merry?
According to the intelligence she currently possesses, Xiao Yinshi does not enjoy listening to music. On his days off, he spends most of his time handling cases at the Censorate. He is extremely strict with himself to an appalling degree. Why is he acting so abnormally lately, accepting famous courtesans and listening to famous singers perform?
Menghenabul brought out a steaming bowl of corn porridge and a plate of millet cakes from the kitchen stove and said to Feng Tan, "Eat."
After returning last night and having eaten, it had been less than four hours. Feng Tan wasn't hungry at all. She shook her head and said, "Uncle Meng, I'm not hungry. You eat by yourself. I'm going out today and may be back a little late, so there's no need to prepare food for me."
Menghenabur stretched out his arm to stop her from leaving, stubbornly saying, "Have breakfast before you go."
"Alright, alright." Feng Tan sighed helplessly, drank a full bowl of porridge, and then raised the bowl up for Uncle Meng to see. "Uncle Meng, I've finished it all."
As she tightened her cloak to keep warm, she laughed and said, "I'm in for a treat today. Let's go to Fangchun Garden to listen to some folk songs."
Menghenabur silently cleared away the dishes behind her. "I know a storm is brewing. You don't need to force a smile in front of me."
Feng Tan paused in tying her sash, then said, "Alright."
Fangchun Garden was a famous theater in the capital, located on the banks of the Longyue River. Following the corridors across the water, every step revealed a new scene. The garden's builder was exceptionally skilled, utilizing the natural hot spring within the garden for its layout and planting countless potted plants, making the garden feel like spring all year round, filled with fragrance. On the pillars at the garden entrance is a couplet personally written by Zheng Guanhe, the Grand Secretary of the time: "The sound of mist and clouds riding the wind never ceases; winter views bring the spring sun, perfectly natural."
Fangchun Garden boasts many renowned performers of both virtue and talent, but only one stands out—possessing the elegance of the Eight Beauties and unparalleled talent, a true icon of the garden, named Su Bai. High-ranking officials and nobles wishing to hear him sing must submit their names at least three months in advance. Xiao Yinshi, however, did not obtain a number beforehand, yet upon entering the garden today, he specifically requested Su Bai to perform.
The servant who led Feng Tan was a talkative man. As they walked, he said, "The rules of our Fangchun Garden are set for the general public... Why would someone as high-ranking as Lord Xiao need to abide by the rules of the garden?"
After saying that, he pretended to slap his mouth and said, "Oh dear, Lord Feng, look at my mouth, it just doesn't know how to keep its mouth shut. I'm not saying that you are insignificant, please don't take it to heart!"
"Oh, oh, that's not what I meant at all. Anyway, Lord Feng, please don't hold it against me. I just thought you were so beautiful, like a celestial being, that I wanted to chat with you a bit more!"
The servant's explanation only made things worse. Feng Tan couldn't help but chuckle at his nonsensical and incoherent manner, and said, "What you say isn't wrong. In today's world, the strong are the rule-makers, and they themselves don't abide by the rules. Since I can't see Su Bai today, may I be allowed to take a look around the garden and admire the beautiful spring scenery?"
"Of course," the servant said, his tone warming as he saw the gentleman's easygoing nature. "But please don't go to Jingchun Hall on the east side. You can wander around this courtyard as you please!"
Feng Tan agreed earnestly: "I will definitely not go."
Jingchun Hall wasn't too far from where Feng Tan was now. She turned around and walked through the caisson ceiling and eaves, standing in front of two exquisitely crafted white marble sculptures of actors dancing with sleeves. She looked up at the four-foot-long agarwood plaque with the words "Jingchun Hall" hanging on the two thick gate pillars, and then stepped inside.
The high stage was empty. Feng Tan looked down and, through the lush flowers and branches, she could vaguely see several guards dressed as imperial guards standing motionless with their swords drawn. She stood there silently sorting out the script she had prepared, but her steps faltered when she saw the blood slowly seeping out on the cobblestones.
Blood? Why is there blood? And such thick, rich blood at that?!
A bloodcurdling scream echoed from the garden: "Kill me! Just kill me!"
The boning knife continued to make a sound, and the person being boned cried out in despair and shrilly, laughing maniacally, "Xiao Yinshi, you will not find him! I curse you, you will die in this case, and even the gods and Buddhas cannot save you!"
"Hahaha, you'll die! If you keep investigating, you'll definitely die! Using me to threaten Su Bai? Don't be delusional! Su Bai has absolutely nothing to do with this... I did it all! Xiao Yinshi, if you've got the guts, just kill me!"
The man's calm and collected voice came through, "Provocation won't work on me. Either tell me where you're hiding, or you'll be skinned alive right here."
"I won't... I'd rather die than tell you, hahaha... Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch..."
He seemed to struggle for a moment, then died in excruciating pain.
Feng Tan stepped into Jingchun Hall with one foot, and was so shocked by the tragic scene that she trembled all over. She moved slightly and carefully and slowly withdrew the leg that had mistakenly entered the palace of the King of Hell.
Having undergone years of training, the Imperial Guards possessed a sensitivity to sound far exceeding that of ordinary people. One of the Imperial Guards closest to Feng Tan suddenly drew half of his weapon, glared angrily in Feng Tan's direction, and shouted, "Who goes there?"
The deep, authoritative voice came again: "Zhu Qi, invite the person in."
Zhu Qi accepted the order, strode up to Feng Tan, squinted at her, and said coldly, "Come with me."
Having just experienced a moment of shock, Feng Tan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, rose high again. She followed behind Zhu Qi, walking around the flower branches, keeping her eyes lowered and not daring to look around. She bowed in the direction of Xiao Yinshi, "This humble official, Feng Tan, Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, greets Lord Xiao."
A teasing young male voice said with interest, "Sir, it seems you've come specifically to see me."
Feng Tan kept his eyes lowered, his posture humble and respectful, "Greetings, Lord Wei Sheng."
Wei Shengxian's expression became somewhat meaningful, and he said, "You recognize me just by my voice? But we have never met before, Lord Feng."
The news of Xiao Yinshi's visit to Fangchun Garden was deliberately leaked, yet no one knew he was there.
Feng Tan lowered his head, his peripheral vision shifting from Wei Shengxian's black boots to the corner of his own clothes that were being soaked in blood. He spoke calmly, "This humble official cannot recognize a person by their voice; it was Lord Wei Shengxian himself who told me this."
Wei Shengxian's interest grew even stronger. "Oh? Tell me about it."
Feng Tan said, "Lord Weisheng's boots have slightly upturned toes, resembling the posture of a flying dragon. Only the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Dahuang wears such a style. In addition, when I paid my respects to Lord Xiao, only Lord Weisheng spoke with a smile. The only person who can be so natural in front of Lord Xiao is Lord Weisheng, the former Assistant Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and now the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
“That’s clever.” Wei Shengxian turned to Xiao Yinshi and said, “I’ll take the one who just died away for processing. As for the singer, the Northern Garrison will come to take him after you’ve finished interrogating him.”
"...As for this handsome young scholar, my lord, if you need anything, just send someone to the Northern Garrison Command to find me." After saying that, Wei Shengxian leaned closer to Feng Tan and whispered in her ear, "I've been enjoying watching shadow puppet shows lately. With such a delicate face like yours, Lord Feng, why not take advantage of it?"
Rumors circulated that Wei Shengxian was just as cruel to those he tortured as Xiao Yinshi, and that he was capricious, his laughter and curses entirely at his whim, making him a perverse and morbid person.
His breath brushed against Feng Tan's cheek, spreading a sinister aura. "Don't you think so, Lord Feng?"
Feng Tan remained steady and did not move. "You are joking, sir. I am ugly and rough-skinned, and I am ashamed to accept such a compliment."
As Wei Shengxian's presence faded, Feng Tan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, tightened even more. She took a deep breath and said, "Lord Xiao, I had no intention of disturbing you today, but the matter was urgent and I had no choice but to bother you... I hope you will forgive me."
Xiao Yinshi's gaze fell on Feng Tan. "Stand up and speak."
Feng Tan slowly raised her head. The noisy, turbid dust receded as if it had collapsed. In front of the sea of flowers covered with snowflakes, and in the blood mirror reflected in the sunlight, she saw the man's lonely and cold figure.
The tragic loss of vibrant life and the exuberant bloom of beautiful flowers create a strong sense of dissonance. This strange dissonance is cleverly blended together by the unique cold and ruthless aura of the person in front of him, resulting in an eerie and extreme beauty.
Like a bridge spanning between death and rebirth, he stands alone on the bridge, weathered by wind and rain, connecting yin and yang, as steadfast as a mountain rock.
Xiao Yinshi was extremely tall, no less so than Meng Henabul, a foreigner. As the sunlight dimmed, it cast shadows on his extremely handsome face, making his features even more profound and his demeanor even more unfathomable.
If Wei Shengxian's oppressive aura was outwardly and deliberately projected, then Xiao Yinshi's oppressive aura was inwardly and intangibly contained, making the air feel so heavy it seemed capable of crushing a person.
Xiao Yinshi's sharp, icy gaze fell on Feng Tan, his voice low and unreadable, "What is it?"
Under such powerful pressure, Feng Tan straightened his back and said, "Yesterday, Minister of Justice Gao Yu sent the lady of Hongxiu Pavilion to Lord Xiao's residence without imperial decree. This is against the law. I implore Lord Xiao to send her back to Hongxiu Pavilion."
These words stunned everyone present, leaving them speechless for a moment. What had they just heard? Had this lowly seventh-rank official from a small town lost his mind today?! Was he trying to report the higher-ups?
A mere censor in the Ministry of Justice dares to be so insolent in front of the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate today. He must have either lost his mind or has a death wish.
Sun Cheng, Xiao Yinshi's attendant, was indignant. "How dare you, Feng Tan, say that Lord Xiao has broken the law?"
Feng Tan had also considered taking things slowly, but Lin Wanzhou was only fourteen years old. The longer she stayed in Xiao Yinshi's hands, the more dangerous it would be. Besides, no matter how much she laid out her plans, Xiao Yinshi was a man who could see through her intentions. It would be better to just say it directly, and perhaps there would still be room for maneuver.
"How dare I?" Feng Tan raised her head, meeting the man's unreadable gaze. "My sincere heart is for the sake of the court and for Lord Xiao."
Xiao Yinshi's eyes were like chains, and as his tall body stepped closer, the chains tightened, binding her firmly to the spot.
He stopped less than a foot away from Feng Tan, lowered his eyes and scrutinized her closely, "Tell me, what's your plan?"
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