Chapter 41 Reappearance

Ming Huazhang was very calm when he heard this. He calmly closed the door, walked to the half-open window, took down the bolt, and said, "You are here, why didn't the servant bring tea? You should be punished for being so negligent."

Ming Huashang frowned and said, "Second brother is really generous. Even at this time, he still has the leisure to drink tea."

"What should I be anxious about?"

"Today is the second day of March." Ming Huashang stared at him closely and said, "The ceremony of enthroning the crown prince will be in four days."

Sure enough, after she said this, Ming Huazhang stopped closing the window. He put down his hand, turned around, and looked at Ming Huachang with an ambiguous look in his eyes: "Do you know what you are doing?"

"I know." Ming Huashang has always been a well-behaved and lovely sister in front of Ming Huazhang. This is the first time she has shown her rebellious side.

Ming Huashang stood up. Even though she was much shorter than Ming Huazhang, she still held her head high and looked straight at Ming Huazhang without hesitation: "I was wondering why I didn't see you guys these days, because what you want to investigate is not a murder case at all. You don't care whether there are ghosts in the Wei Mansion or whether there are dead people in the house. You only care about who ordered the puppets that look like the imperial guards and where those puppets went."

Ming Huazhang was silent. There was no light in the house. The wind blew through the night, rustling the tree branches and casting mottled shadows on the window paper. Those shadows fell on Ming Huazhang, blurring his outline, making him look even taller and more oppressive in the darkness.

Ming Huashang couldn't see his expression clearly, she could only feel that he was looking at her. Even the backlight did not affect the light in his eyes, which was as sharp and bright as a knife.

Such a silent Ming Huazhang made her feel strange. She even doubted at that moment whether the man in front of her was really her brother.

Ming Huashang clenched her skirt with her fingers and spoke out in one go: "Compared with the prince's affairs, the death of an ordinary woman is nothing. You don't care, but I can't pretend I don't know. She was kidnapped at the age of six, sold into a rich family as a slave at the age of seven, and was pulled out like a commodity to be resold at the age of fourteen. If she hadn't met Wei Yanqing, she would have become a prostitute. However, Wei Yanqing was not the one who saved her. She just fell from one hell into another.

"She had been violated by Wei Yanqing for many years and had no way to speak out. She finally got married to her senior brother whom she had liked since childhood and seemed to be free from the control of her master, but Wei Yanqing's words brought her back to her original state. Wei Yanqing asked Wei Moyuan to take the junior sister as a concubine and promised that Wei Zhuyan would be his de facto wife. Wei Baixuan was just a tool who was used like a slave."

Ming Huazhang had been calm and indifferent before, but when he heard that Wei Baixuan was violated by Wei Yanqing, he showed obvious surprise on his face. Ming Huazhang frowned slightly, and he looked at Ming Huachang carefully, as if he was considering his words: "When you say violation, do you mean that Wei Yanqing beat and scolded Wei Baixuan, or..."

Ming Huashang pursed her lips and looked at him: "That's what you think."

Ming Huazhang was silent. He was quiet for a long while, then asked, "How do you know this?"

"A night watchman told me," Ming Huashang said. "If you don't believe me, you can go and ask for yourself to see if I'm lying to you."

"No need." Ming Huazhang sighed, "I only thought they were doing it for love and family property, I didn't expect there were such hidden secrets behind it."

Ming Huashang walked up to Ming Huazhang and looked at him anxiously: "No matter what that woman did, it is not a reason for her to be treated like this. Even if she is guilty, she should be tried in the sun, instead of dying in obscurity like now. Second brother, I am also a woman, I can't just sit there and watch."

Ming Huazhang lowered his head and saw her dark and clear eyes, like a deer in the deep forest. Ming Huazhang paused, he didn't know whether this moment of absent-mindedness was because of her words or because of her eyes: "What do you want to do?"

"I want to go to the crime scene and reveal the truth to the world." Ming Huashang said, "I can't get into the Wei family with my own ability, even with Ren Yao and Jiang Ling. Second brother, you are the only one who can help me."

Ming Huazhang didn't say anything. Ming Huashang looked at his expression, but he was so secretive that she couldn't tell what he was thinking. She could only take the risk and said, "Second brother, although we didn't have much contact before, you have always been the most perfect star in my heart. Even my father was weak and confused, but you never were. Because of you, I believe that there are really gentlemen in this world who are both virtuous and talented, and who are consistent in appearance and inside. It makes me willing to believe that spending my life with a man may not be so boring. You will never tell me that you are actually like those greedy people who only care about the prince and don't care about the life and death of an ordinary person at all."

Ming Huazhang sighed: "You don't have to praise me so much. If you want to, go ahead. Change into some clothes that are more convenient for you to move around in."

Ming Huashang was overjoyed and immediately responded, "Okay, thank you, second brother!"

She knew that she had to hurry up and ran out. After running for only two steps, she was stopped by Ming Huazhang, who looked at her and asked, "You seem to be against getting married?"

Ming Huashang was surprised for a moment, then lowered her head and said, "Maybe. Before they got married, the ladies were all lively and bright, with thousands of faces, and could fight for a poem or a song for a whole day. But after they got married, their faces became blurred, and from then on they only knew how to talk about their aunts, husbands, children, and concubines. I think it's terrible."

Ming Huashang raised her eyes, smiled, and said, "Maybe I am too obsessed with this. There is nothing wrong with focusing on family life."

Ming Huazhang had never considered getting married, and he could not understand this feeling, but he could feel Ming Huachang's pain and confusion. He did not know that his sister, who had not been close to him since childhood, thought of him this way, nor did he know that Ming Huachang, who seemed lively, cheerful, and loved life, had so much pessimism in her heart.

He was negligent. She lost her mother when she was born, and Duke Zhenguo devoted most of his energy to him. He should have taken better care of Ming Huashang. He only cared about making sure she had enough food and clothing, but forgot to care about her inner world.

She was full of emotions, kind and sincere, and had her own ideas. This was a good thing and should not be stifled. He had made up his mind not to let her enter Xuanxiaowei, but now thinking about it, what was the difference between him and those elders who forced her to marry?

They all think they are nice to her.

Ming Huazhang slowly approached, patted Ming Huachang on the shoulder, and said, "If you don't want to, forget it. I will talk to my father. You are still young, just live the life you like."

Before Ming Huachang came here, her best hope was that Ming Huazhang would be willing to take her to see the crime scene. She didn't expect that he actually supported Ming Huachang's decision not to get married.

Even the maid who grew up with her couldn't understand such words. Everyone thought she was shy.

These days, her grandmother had been arranging a marriage for her more and more loudly. Ming Huashang could almost foresee that when the situation stabilized, her grandmother would take her and her cousins ​​out for an "outing". As long as she met a man of similar family background, she would be happy to arrange an engagement for her.

Everyone thought that this was for her own good, and only Ming Huazhang would tell her that if she didn't want to, then forget it.

There is no need to give a reason, if you don't want to, you don't want to.

Ming Huashang was stunned for a moment, and then an indescribable sadness surged up: "Brother..."

"It's okay." Ming Huazhang just squeezed her shoulders and then withdrew his hand. His attitude was upright and polite. He said, "Go change your clothes. Choose something darker. I'll take you to the Wei family."

"Okay!" Ming Huashang was indescribably moved. She was so lucky to have such a brother. Unfortunately, he was not her biological brother after all.

Ming Huashang thought of his companions and hurriedly reminded them, "Second brother, there are also Jiang Ling and Ren Yao."

Minghua Zhang frowned: "Them? It's curfew now, and it will be a lot of trouble to bring them out. Anyway, they are of no use, so there is no need to notify them."

"No!" Ming Huashang insisted, "We are a team, we can't just leave anyone behind. I can't say that I will go to investigate the scene by myself without calling them."

Ming Huazhang was speechless. Ming Huashang also knew that this request would only cause trouble. She grabbed Ming Huazhang's wrist and said in a taunting tone, "Brother..."

Ming Huazhang really couldn't do anything with her, so he said helplessly: "Okay, you go and prepare. I'll take care of Jiang Ling and Ren Yao's affairs."

Ming Huashang got what she wanted, and she was very happy. She jumped away. It was common for women in the Tang Dynasty to ride horses. Although Ming Huashang didn't like sports, she also bought many sets of narrow-sleeved and slim-fitting Hu clothes. She picked a dark purple one and put it on as quickly as possible. Then she made her bed to pretend to sleep, and quietly went out without disturbing the maid.

The night was dark and dark, with a cool breeze blowing. The Imperial Guards in armor and holding spears patrolled the streets. The clanging of their footsteps and the distant ringing of pagoda bells formed the unique sound of the capital at night.

Ming Huashang hid in the corner of the street, Ming Huazhang stood beside her, followed by several guards dressed in black and wearing masks, who were so silent that they seemed to blend into the shadows.

The night watchman had just passed the intersection when a group of people came running from the dark alley opposite. Jiang Ling ran over with a hunched back, and before he could complain, he caught a glimpse of the tall and slender figure behind Ming Huashang.

Jiang Ling was stunned. He smiled politely at Ming Huazhang, then pulled Ming Huachang to a secluded place and asked in a low voice, "What's going on? Why is he here?"

Jiang Ling had finished his bath and was about to go to bed when he suddenly found a note next to his pillow, asking him to meet at the back door. If it wasn't signed "Ming", Jiang Ling really didn't want to pay attention.

Ming Huashang also lowered her voice and said, "I'm sorry to bother you so late at night. But I found a new clue and wanted to visit the murder scene at night. If everything goes well, maybe we can catch the murderer tonight!"

"real?"

"Really." Ming Huashang said, "With our abilities, we can't get into the Wei Mansion, so I called my second brother to help. I'll wait for Ren Yao, and we'll set out once everyone is gathered."

Jiang Ling heaved a sigh of relief when he heard that the case was finally going to be solved. He didn't even care that Ming Huashang had dug him out of bed in the middle of the night. He joked, "Ming Huashang, I treat you more attentively than I treat my father. I'm afraid that only you can make me go out at night if you invite me."

It was easy for two playboys to fall in love with each other. Jiang Ling and Ming Huashang had become very familiar with each other in the past few days. She also laughed and joked nonchalantly: "Come on, the most important thing in your mind is your baby, what am I?"

The two of them mocked each other. Neither of them had any sexual thoughts. Ming Huazhang looked at Ming Huashang and Jiang Ling getting so close, and finally couldn't stand it anymore: "Second Mother."

Ming Huashang turned around quickly: "What's wrong?"

"Another person is coming." Ming Huazhang said casually, and silently held Ming Huashang and pulled her behind him.

As expected, Ren Yao appeared at the previous street corner. Jiang Ling waved his hand vigorously, signaling her to run over quickly. Ming Huashang looked at him in surprise: "She actually came. Second brother, do you have clairvoyance? How did you know?"

Ming Huazhang did not answer. His eyebrows were slightly wrinkled, still thinking about what had just happened.

Jiang Ling was right. He was indeed unusual towards Ming Huashang. Ming Huazhang sent a letter to Jiang Ling. The signature on it represented Ming Huazhang, but Jiang Ling subconsciously thought it was Ming Huashang. What does this mean?

Are Jiang Ling and Ming Huashang too close? Ming Huashang has no such thoughts, but Jiang Ling is already an adult and has not achieved anything. Does he have dirty thoughts?

Ren Yao ran over, and it seemed that she was also out for a while. She looked around and asked in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Jiang Ling simply explained: "Go to Wei's house to catch the murderer."

Ren Yao was even more surprised: "What did you do behind my back? Do you already know who the murderer is?"

You see, this is how rumors are born. Ming Huashang was speechless and said, "No, I was just searching the murder scene."

Ming Huazhang interrupted their overly familiar recital and said, "The route has been arranged. The Jinwu will not pass through this area during this period. Put on your mask and go."

Jiang Ling saw the delicate, thin, metallic, half-face mask and was very reluctant: "Why do you have to wear a mask?"

"If you are not afraid of being recognized and implicate your relatives and friends, you don't have to wear it." Ming Huazhang threw the mask into their arms and said, "It's up to you whether to wear it or not. Don't waste time."

Jiang Ling and Ren Yao were silent and put on their masks. The mysterious man in black made his way without saying a word, and Jiang Ling and Ren Yao could only follow.

Ming Huashang was afraid that she would be held back, so she tied the mask straps and tried to follow, but Ming Huazhang stopped her: "Your mask is not worn properly."

The incident happened suddenly, and there was no custom-made mask for the three of them, so they could only use the most common styles. Jiang Ling and Ren Yao's masks were still usable, but Ming Huashang had a small face, and the black iron mask was a little big on her face.

Ming Huazhang took off Ming Huashang's mask and put it back on her face. Ming Huashang was forced to look up, and when she raised her eyes, she saw Ming Huazhang's cold and handsome face.

His eyelashes drooped slightly, and his slender fingers pressed on the side of her face, cool and serious, as if he was treating a piece of art.

Ming Huashang felt a little uncomfortable. It was really strange. Just now when she was talking to Jiang Ling head to head, she didn't feel the difference between men and women, but now she felt a little awkward facing Ming Huazhang, even though the distance between them was much farther than that between Jiang Ling and her.

Ming Huashang thought about it and felt that it would be better to attribute the incident to Jiang Ling than to Ming Huazhang.

Ming Huazhang noticed that Ming Huashang was distracted, but he didn't show it. He put his fingers behind Ming Huashang's hair and asked while tying her hair: "Why did Jiang Ling call you by your name?"

Ming Huashang was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously said, "Ah? Oh, the gods are all over the place, and I told him to call her that."

Ming Huazhang hummed calmly and said nothing. Ming Huachang looked at his brother's face so close to him and inexplicably felt that the temperature was colder than before.

It felt like a chill was blowing from behind me, which was strange.

In order to please Ming Huazhang, Ming Huashang asked, "Where is Brother Xie? Why haven't I seen him for so long?"

It was just a vague chill, but after she finished speaking, it became a real chill. Ming Huazhang tied the laces, stood up, and said, "He has another mission and has left."

No matter how careless Ming Huashang was, she realized that Ming Huazhang was in a bad mood. She didn't dare to say anything more and just said "Oh" softly.

Ming Huazhang really planned the time and journey just right. They did not encounter any imperial guards along the way and entered Chongyefang smoothly and stopped outside the wall of Wei's house.

Ming Huazhang simply made a gesture, and the men in black clasped their fists. Before Ming Huachang could react to what the gesture meant, they jumped off the ground on the wall and floated into the high wall silently like falling leaves.

Ming Huashang stared with eyes wide open. At this moment, there was a slight noise from the door. The person inside opened the side door and disappeared into the darkness silently. Ming Huazhang held the long sword and took the lead: "Follow."

Ming Huashang closed his mouth silently. The whole process was simple and neat, orderly, without a single unnecessary word, just like an elder brother.

Ren Yao and Jiang Ling were both intimidated by this calm professionalism. Is this the true strength of the Xuan Xiao Guard? If this is the general level, even if the Xuan Xiao Guard only has a few hundred people, having such a team is enough to turn defeat into victory in any coup.

Ming Huazhang walked to the workshop as if he was in a place without anyone around. There were already two men in black standing in front of the workshop, and Jiang Ling couldn't help but look at the shadows under their feet.

Ming Huazhang seemed to be able to hear Jiang Ling's thoughts and said, "This is the servant of the Wei family who guards the workshop. He is alive."

It was very concise and Jiang Ling had nothing to say. He asked, "Then what are we doing here?"

"Look at the scene." Ming Huazhang pushed open the workshop door and said to Ming Huashang, "The inside has been restored to the situation on the day of the crime. Take a look for yourself."

Ren Yao couldn't help but ask, "How do you know that this was the case on the day of the incident?"

"We have done our best to find out and restore what we can so far. Even if it is not exactly the same, it cannot be better." Ming Huazhang said, "I have marked the place where Wei Baixuan's body was lying. Fortunately, there are rumors of ghosts during this period, so no one dares to come in. I asked people to clean up the traces of the ritual and put the puppet back to its original position as much as possible. The difference should not be too big."

Ming Huashang nodded, said thank you quietly, and walked into the workshop carefully.

The moment she stepped through the threshold, a chilly feeling clung to her legs like a snake. Ming Huashang was no longer able to care, because her entire mind was immersed in the scene of the day.