Chapter 60 Corpses in Buddhist Temple
Wen Yao still wants to laugh when he thinks of Chu Yutang's reaction at that time.
This is also the difference between Chu Yutang and Lou Chengyi and Jiang Qiaosheng. He was truly raised by everyone, and even though he fell into the quagmire, it was still a short time ago, and his childish sincerity has not changed. His parents died young, and facing a group of vicious relatives only made him more resilient.
"He is a man of temperament, different from Lou Chengyi." After Wen Yao finished speaking, he suddenly noticed that Zhao Xuanxu was looking at him sideways with a silver hairpin that he was using to poke the fruit, and his whole body was tense.
Wen Yao was stunned for a moment, then reached out and placed her hand over Zhao Xuanxu's. She suddenly realized that from the moment she confessed her feelings yesterday until now, Zhao Xuanxu seemed to have no sense of security. His emotions were strangely high and mixed with nervousness, as if he was afraid that she would change her mind and deny it.
Zhao Xuanxu quickly threw away the silver hairpin and interlocked his fingers with Wen Yao.
"Chu Yutang and I are friends. This time, I'm letting you meet, so don't act rashly." Wen Yao thought for a moment and said, "He's a big businessman, and the Prince of Xiang treats him like a brother. When he arrives later, be more friendly and give him some face."
Although this was just a warning, the implication of excluding Zhao Xuanxu and Chu Yutang was clear. Zhao Xuanxu quickly grasped this subtle bias, and his heart was immediately filled with joy, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
He rubbed Wen Yao's finger bones, and nodded in agreement as if he was very easy to talk to: "Yes, I know, I won't make it difficult for you."
Chu Yutang arrived quickly, too. Wen Yao had barely finished half of his tea when the door to the nearby room was pushed open by a warm, white jade fan. Apart from Chu Yutang, Wen Yao had never seen anyone fan themselves even in the depths of winter.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." A clear and gentle voice came from outside the door. Chu Yutang stepped into the private room and looked over at Wen Yao with a smile.
Today he wore a dazzling crescent-shaped robe of silver fox satin gauze, and in his hand was a white jade fan with a red jade cord tied to its tail. When he lowered his wrist, the red jade cord swung like a red fish and retracted from the door, exuding a dashing and suave air.
He was very different from the boy who was so scared that he hugged Wen Yao and cried.
Chu Yutang's eyes flicked over the arms of Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu leaning against each other. He rubbed the white jade fan bone with his palm, then smiled again, bowed to Zhao Xuanxu, and said politely, "Your Highness Prince Yan is honored to have you here. Our humble Fanlou is truly honored."
"Why are you being so polite?" Wen Yao threw the cake in his hand and said, "Come and sit down. Let's order."
Chu Yutang raised his eyebrows and pretended to be surprised: "Oh, you actually want to treat me. I thought you were framing me here to eat and drink for free."
He was handsome, with a high nose and thin lips, like a young man of jade. His solemn and unrestrained manner naturally revealed himself in his words and actions. He was approachable and familiar without being frivolous or annoying.
Chu Yutang strolled over and sat down beside Wen Yao, Zhao Xuanxu on his left and right. The shopkeeper came in with his staff and listened as Chu Yutang listed thirteen dishes, each one extremely expensive.
Wen Yao felt a pang of pain in his purse when he heard the name of the Red Ginseng and Blood Swallow. After hearing the rest, he simply took out his purse and slammed it on the table, saying blankly, "That's all. If it's enough, serve the dishes. If not, cut out a few dishes. How many days have you not eaten? You're so hungry."
Chu Yutang sighed, folded his white jade fan and pressed it against his brow. He blinked at Wen Yao and said, "With His Royal Highness Prince Yan here, Commander Wen is worried that he can't afford a meal at Fanlou?"
"Ayao is in charge of the household affairs in the mansion." Zhao Xuanxu filled the teacup beside Wen Yao and said naturally, "As for the amount of money, Ayao has her own plan for how to use it. Naturally, it's up to her. I dare not say more."
"Oh." Chu Yutang glanced at Wen Yao and saw that she was sitting upright as before and did not refute. She was still looking at the purse with pain. He immediately understood.
He suddenly put down the white jade fan, parted his lips and sighed softly, with an unknown meaning: "Okay, okay. It's up to you."
The steward filed out with his attendants, and soon they were serving up another exquisite dish. They brought together delicacies from all corners of the world, each exquisitely presented. Wen Yao was a foodie, sampling every dish and finding each one to her liking. While she twirled her chopsticks, Chu Yutang remained motionless, scooping from the bowl of blood swallows intermittently.
"You called me here today to talk about the Qiong Yu Tower thing, right?" Chu Yutang said straight to the point, "What do you want me to do?"
The tone of his words was plain and straightforward, implying that he would do whatever Wen Yao said.
Qiongyu Tower was reduced to a smoky wasteland, but the prime land along the Bian River couldn't just sit there empty. Sooner or later, the land management office would reclaim the two plots and sell them. Ning'er's remains were still buried, and the many women of Qiongyu Tower had nowhere to go... These were the questions Wen Yao had been pondering for the past few days.
"I'm afraid it's inconvenient for you to interfere when it comes to Lou Chengyi." Chu Yutang understood Wen Yao's thoughts: "Do you want me to buy those two plots of land from the court?"
Wen Yao nodded and said, "You buy it openly, and I'll give you the money secretly. As for those girls, I'll send them away if they need to go somewhere else. The rest have no one to rely on and happen to know how to make tea and play the piano, so why don't you just work as a waitress in Fanlou? It's a freelance contract, and I'll pay you the monthly salary for the first two months."
She spoke calmly, and Chu Yutang listened attentively with a serious expression, but the white jade fan underneath was tapping unconsciously on his palm.
He knew full well that Wen Yao had spent his years wandering the martial arts world, always a solitary individual, unreserved by any sect or family. While carefree, he possessed no wealth. Over the years, he had sent letters to Willow Leaf City, often including precious metals and antiques, only to have them returned.
He refused to accept his things, but now he uses King Yan's money so naturally. It's really—
Wen Yao finished speaking, looked up at him and asked, "How is it?"
"Okay." Chu Yutang smiled and readily agreed, "All those girls can be sent to me. As for Qiongyu Tower, I'm also planning to open two docks, so you don't have to pay for that. If you don't want Miss Ning'er's body buried there, you can pay me to buy the land around her and build a small hut to serve as a burial site."
Wen Yao was quite surprised and picked up the wine jug on the table and toasted Chu Yutang three times.
"I need no thanks for your kindness." She was full of generosity and shook the glass upside down: "All the words are in the wine."
Chu Yutang's shoulders shook twice and he laughed: "Where did you learn this tune from?"
Zhao Xuanxu suddenly reached out and gently pushed aside Wen Yao's fingers, took the cup from her hand and filled it up, saying, "I should also pay my tribute to Master Chu for helping Gu Ayao so much over the years. If there's anything I can help with in the future, just let me know."
He listened to Wen Yao's words, which was indeed a courtesy. It was rare to see His Royal Highness Prince Yan speak in such a respectable manner.
Chu Yutang continued to smile, his eyes curved, and he raised the cup and handed it forward, saying, "Okay, then I'll remember this."
After the matter was settled and the meal was over, Chu Yutang said that going down with Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu would be too conspicuous, so he sat still and waved his fan to let the two go first.
Wen Yao's wallet was empty. He and Zhao Xuanxu walked out of Fanlou one after the other. Only when they sat in the carriage did they feel relieved.
The troubles that had troubled me for many days were finally resolved.
She was in a good mood, and Zhao Xuanxu was in a good mood for some reason. His good mood lasted until he returned to the mansion, and Jiang Qiaosheng, who was waiting on the side, jumped on Wen Yao like a firecracker.
Jiang Qiao shouted angrily, "Where are you going with him? Why don't you take me with you?"
Wen Yao caught the person steadily: "I'm looking for someone to deal with Qiong Yulou."
She was helpless: "The ghost market owner promised to help, so I have to treat him to a meal, right?"
"Ghost Market Master? The one with the surname Chu?" Jiang Qiaosheng wasn't surprised. Bianliang City was filled with large Buddha statues from various locations in Tianshui. Many of Wen Yao's previous letters had come from the Chu family caravan. She knew Wen Yao had a relationship with the Ghost Market Master.
She curled her lips and said, "Qiong Yulou, Lou Chengyi doesn't even want him anymore, and you're still worrying about him."
"It's not for him." Wen Yao pulled her off him and said, "Some people died for him, while others were like floating duckweed, not knowing where to go. Since I'm involved in this matter, I'll help if I can. It's just a little trouble for me, but it's a lifetime for those people."
Wen Yao stopped talking at this point. She saw Jiang Qiaosheng staring up at her with a confused look on his face, obviously not taking it to heart.
Jiang Qiao was born and raised in the Red Pavilion, trained in combat from a young age to know only killing. The Tangshan Red Pavilion was dark and gloomy, and besides the assassins, there were only Feng Jimin and his group of lunatics. Therefore, her personality was unlike that of an ordinary person. Her emotions were exaggerated, and she didn't know how to conceal them. The only thing she lacked was compassion and sympathy. Nothing could be more cruel than the persistence of an animal.
"You—" Jiang Qiaosheng shuddered at the look Wen Yao gave her. She came up and strangled Wen Yao's waist again, her face showing some grievance: "Why are you looking at me like that? Are you still angry with me?"
"What's the anger?"
"You're angry that Lou Chengyi and I colluded to cause trouble but didn't tell you." Jiang Qiaosheng muttered, lowering his head and leaning in Wen Yao's arms.
She and Wen Yao had barely separated since their conversation, clinging to each other with all her might. Zhao Xuanxu, left out, had lost all trace of his smile, his face expressionless. Xue Ke, who was standing by, worried that Jiang Qiaosheng would be assassinated tonight by Prince Yan's men, so he had to gently remind him, "Master, the bank's people are waiting. You must leave now."
Jiang Qiaosheng's years as the head of the Red Pavilion had paid off, as he had considerable assets, having already moved them in batches, awaiting today's inventory. But now, she was clinging to Wen Yao, refusing to let go, glancing sideways at Xue Ke, as if telling everyone outside to get lost.
Wen Yao covered her mouth in time, pushed her shoulder, and said, "Go quickly, the sooner you go, the sooner you'll be back."
Jiang Qiaosheng snorted twice and then left reluctantly.
Wen Yao turned around and saw Zhao Xuanxu standing beside her, reaching out and slowly straightening her clothes that Jiang Qiaosheng had wrinkled. He had never felt so embarrassed before, and he frowned, his expression showing extreme patience. "She really is so annoying."
"Her temperament is that of a child." Wen Yao sighed softly: "It's not her fault that she has grown up like this."
Like a child...
Zhao Xuanxu suddenly became thoughtful.
"Giving birth is a waste of a woman's blood." He inserted his five fingers into Wen Yao's fingers and suddenly said, "Children are so annoying again. Ah Yao, let's not have children in the future, okay?"
He spoke naturally, without any idea of "filial piety is the most important virtue, and having no descendants is the greatest."
Wen Yao had never imagined she'd end up with a boyfriend for some reason, and naturally, she hadn't thought about having children. She lowered her eyes to look at Zhao Xuanxu's fingers, which were entwined and lingering around her, and smiled, saying, "Okay."
Then, in the blink of an eye, he saw Hao Chunhe walking over with his hands behind his back.
Wen Yao suddenly froze.
Hao Chunhe wasn't at the mansion yesterday, so some things were still unclear. He stared at Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu's clasped hands and said slowly, "Didn't you say, 'Be careful in the future,'"
The words she had spoken on the cliff echoed back in her ears. Wen Yao blushed and subconsciously pulled her hand away from Zhao Xuanxu's. She said shyly, "Well, things change so fast. I understand now. From now on, I will never say such a firm statement again."
Hao Chunhe said nothing at the moment, snorting and jumping onto the eaves. After Jiang Qiaosheng, Xueke, and the others returned, they gathered in the increasingly bustling Prince Yan's Mansion, had a lively meal, and then dispersed. Only then did Hao Chunhe knock on the window of Wen Yao's room, carrying two jugs of wine.
"Go up." After becoming the instructor of the secret guards of Prince Yan's Mansion, Hao Chunhe was still wearing the same coarse linen clothes as at the beginning, with his gray hair tied up randomly with strips of cloth.
He pointed to the roof and said, "Let's have a drink."
Tonight was truly beautiful weather. The sun shone brightly during the day, and the temperature remained high at night. There was no wind, so it wasn't cold. The sky shone brightly. Wen Yao looked up and took a sip of his spicy old wine. For the first time, he thought of the starry sky above the desert of Willow Leaf City. It was just as quiet and bright there, though a little lonelier than Bianliang.
"Alas." Hao Chunhe squinted at her. "It's only been a short time. You're really disappointing!"
Wen Yao smacked his lips. "Yeah, I'm actually with Yan Cang's little apprentice... I used to call Yan Cang "Big Brother." Does that count as messing up the generations?"
"It's Hu Lai's generation." Hao Chunhe said, and suddenly sighed: "You are not a frivolous person. You must have thought this through. What are your plans for the future? Will you stay in Bianliang forever?"
Wen Yao shook his head: "No, I don't like Bianliang very much. I still want to walk around and see more."
"What about him? He doesn't want to be a prince and retire to the mountains with you?"
Wen Yao said calmly: "Yeah."
"Don't say it, don't say it." Hao Chunhe said with a sigh, "This is something only Zhao Xuanxu could do. Okay, then you can go with him. Just don't forget me, an old man, and come visit me occasionally. If I'm dead by then, come back on Qingming Festival to visit my grave."
Wen Yao scolded: "You are drunk, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Hao Chunhe ignored him, instead speaking more and more excitedly under the influence of alcohol: "Since you have set your eyes on her, just live a good life with her. The world is full of people, all chasing after profit. I guess there is only one person who is willing to give up everything, regardless of hatred, and not care about wealth, glory, or overwhelming power, and just follow you like this."
At this point, he suddenly choked, tears glistening in his eyes for some unknown reason. Hao Chunhe wiped his eyes, raised his neck, and took another gulp of the liquor. The scorching liquor slid down his throat like a sharp knife, burning into his heart.
"Live well." Hao Chunhe murmured, "Don't be a jerk like me. I'm sorry for my stepmother and my daughter."
His wife, Wanniang, and their child had always been a hidden pain in Hao Chunhe's heart. He had feigned madness and stupidity, hiding in Bianliang for so many years, presumably to stop thinking about them. The wound was so deep, so deep that it was untouchable, not even by himself, let alone others.
Wen Yao didn't expect Hao Chunhe to suddenly bring up this matter at this time.
She gripped the rough wine jar tightly and looked at Hao Chunhe: "Chun Yanzi——"
"It's okay. I'm a man with one foot in the earth. I'm going to see them soon, and then I'll apologize to them. Before that, if you can decide on a position, it will also put my mind at ease." Hao Chunhe treated Wen Yao as his junior: "You have a long life ahead of you, and good days are ahead. Live a good life with Zhao Xuanxu, follow your heart, and don't be foolish."
Wen Yao wiped his face, looked at Hao Chunhe's messy and old face, grabbed the wine jug from his hand, clinked it with his, and then drank a gulp of liquor.
*
The winter in Bianliang passed quickly, and when the Bian River began to thaw, several major events occurred in the capital.
First, the emperor dispatched envoys, bearing rich gifts, to accompany the Northern Liao delegation to Shangjing, carrying Yelü Huishi's body. Second, the heavy snow in Suzhou had begun to melt, and the Huai River's water level was indeed rising. Some dams along the turbulent river had collapsed, allowing the river to overflow, submerging fertile fields and villages, leaving countless people homeless.
The third incident was somewhat out of place from the first two. It wasn't a major issue concerning the people's livelihood, but rather a matter of the underworld. And because it involved the government, it became a major concern.
On the first day of spring, the ancient Cihuai Temple, a thousand-year-old temple on the banks of the Gusu River, was undergoing renovations. While shifting stone slabs, a craftsman discovered a fragment of a human metacarpal bone in the mud. Unexpectedly, the craftsman panicked and tripped over the rough skull, causing him to fall to the ground.
The news reached the government office, which quickly cleaned up the scene. They eventually unearthed over twenty rotting, yellowed skeletons, large and small. The news spread quickly through the streets and alleys of Gusu, eventually reaching Bianliang, the imperial palace, and even the emperor.
The emperor immediately ignored the first two matters and waved his hand to order the Supervisory Office to investigate.
This time, the drunkard's real intention is not to drink, and the implication is obvious.
"What's going on? Are there any royal relatives in the bald monk's temple?" Jiang Qiaosheng slumped comfortably against Wen Yao, who was holding her hand and braiding her hair. She was still chewing some dried fruit as she asked, taking the time to look provocatively at Zhao Xuanxu, who had been shunted aside and was looking at her coldly.
Can you win the competition with me?
Jiang Qiaosheng became increasingly pleased and complacent, saying lazily and delicately, "All murder cases should be handed over to the Supervisory Commissioner. Shouldn't we also give up half of the monthly salary from the government office?"
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