Chu Wang Fei

Having heard him, Rong Yun He hid the rare anxiety behind dull eyes and immediately turned around to ask, "What happened?”

The shopkeeper thought for a moment then cautiously said, “Nucai would like to borrow shaoye's pen and ink.”

Seeing Rong Yun He nod his head, he respectfully walked to the table, took a piece of paper, grabbed a brush. Relying only on seeing through the back of the paper, he slowly wrote it out.

When finished, the shopkeeper picked up the paper, blew at the ink then reversed the paper. Only then did he show it to Rong Yun He.

Rong Yun He looked, and with great astonishment, the word 'Hu' was written on top. His eyes could not help but stare in wonder before he immediately asked, "Did you hear their discussion?”

The shopkeeper shook his head and somewhat ashamedly said, "The man's martial arts is outstanding. Nucai only slightly got closer to them and immediately found that out. Fortunately, he was preoccupied with the slave for a short while. He forgot to put away the slip of paper and let nucai vaguely see a word.”

Hearing that, Rong Yun He heart understood. Jiao Da was a person who was always by Chu Wang side, his vigilance could not be compared to an ordinary person's. The shopkeeper folded back his hands to not lose face and vowed not investigate this matter. Waving the shopkeeper away, Rong Yun He stared blankly at the paper in his hand. What kind of difficult situation had she encountered that needed the man who was always by Chu wang's side?

Brow slightly creasing, Rong Yun He had Si'er put away the accounting books on the table. Si'er unintentionally saw the paper with the 'Hu' character and was somewhat puzzled. He cocked his head to think for quite a while and curiously asked, "Shaoye, what is this word? Why is it this so strange?”

Rong Yun He his eyes stare at the 'Hu' word in a daze and slightly shook his head. With some reproach, he said, "Usually, I allow you to read books, but you only want to have fun and now you can't even recognize this word.”

Hearing Rong Yun He speak like this, Si'er smiled in embarrassment. But he did feel that this 'Hu' word sounded very familiar.

But this was his master's business. He was just a manservant, he only needed to serve his master properly, so he quickly took out a cloth and properly wrapped up the important accounting books into a chest. Afterwards, he accompanied Rong Yun He out of Tian Fu Lou.

Quickly, 3-4 days had passed, Jiao Da's side still had no news. Those people who stole the Hu Ge seemed to have so flawlessly done so that there were actually no clues left behind. It was infuriating.

The remaining three months were almost out!

Hai wangfu was trying to avoid agreeing to Hai Chen Xi and Qu Fei Qing's marriage. Claiming that Hai wang had suddenly contracted an unpleasant illness, they would not entertain any guests for the month.

Not just the noble families, but even the man Emperor Yu Qian dispatched to scout the situation only sat in the living room and was unable to see any of Hai wangfu's masters.

Hearing this news, Yun Qian Meng's heart could not help but sneer. How good of Hai wang. Figuring out that Fu Guo Gong Fu had no choice and was forced to agree to Hai Chen Xi and Qu Fei Qing's marriage, he pulled this move so as to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

Previously, Hai wangfei had personally come to Fu Guo Gong Fu propose the marriage. Soon after, there was an assassination attempted on Qu Ling Ao. It was clear where Hai wangfu stood regarding this matter with Qu Ling Ao. Could it be that Hai wangfu had nothing to do with it?

It seemed that Hai wangfu did not have any inclination of gaining in-laws, yet at that time the grand Hai wangfei had come personally. But now their attitude was like this. How was it not a contradiction? Or could it all have been a ruse in order to wash away the suspicions on Hai wangfu?

Suddenly realizing something, Yun Qian Meng's heart was greatly alarmed.

If the assassination was not the work of Hai wang, then whose?

Behind Qu Ling Ao was Fu Guo Gong Fu, behind Fu Guo Gong Fu was the Empress Dowager. But if Fu Guo Gong Fu was eliminated, then the Empress Dowager's might become just a mere figurehead. In the entire Court, the one who desired most to completely defeat the Empress Dowager could only be Yuan de taifei.

If that was the case, then on that day, Chen wang had searched every so many people could testify his innocence as an assassin entered Fu Guo Gong Fu. These series of actions, though risky, ensured that no one could doubt him. To have so carefully thought this through was terrifying.

At this time, Mu Chun happily ran into the room. Yun Qian Meng's eyebrows knitted in concentration as she pondered over things, and Mu Chun immediately slowed down her pace. Steadily walking to Yun Qian Meng's side, she somewhat tinged with joy as she said, "Xiaojie, just now, Ying Xia came over to report. She said that Ying Qiu is already awake and her life is no longer in danger.”

Yun Qian Meng lifted up her head, her eyes had a rare, happy expression. "When did she wake up?”

"She said yesterday after midnight. She wake shouting that she was hungry." After hearing Ying Xia's quiet report, Mu Chun also sympathized, "Ying Xia just reported to say that Ying Qiu had seen the assassin wearing boots before she went into a shock.”

Boots?

Normal Western Chu citizens did not wear boots, only the aristocrats and officials did.

They could be distinguished through the workmanship; the style and the type of material were all different to some extent.

If Ying Qiu saw enough of it then was certainly a significant clue to get to the bottom of things.

"Was it satin or cloth?" only the imperial courts officials were entitled enough to wear satin boots, while the jailers could just barely manage adequate cloth boots.

If this was the beginning of the investigation, then the scope had certainly narrowed a lot.

When Yun Qian Meng had asked carefully, Mu Chun was unable to answer for quite some time. Ashamed, she lowered her head blaming herself, "Xiaojie please punish me. Nubi did not think it through properly and had not asked.”

Yun Qian Meng then put down the cup of tea and immediately ordered, "A carriage!”

But at this time, the Rui mama had just come. Seeing Yun Qian Meng, Rui mama immediately bowed her head in greeting and said, "Nubi greets da xiaojie and wishes you good health.”

Seeing her face smiling as she came in, it was not good to casually dismiss her. Yun Qian Meng sat down again, picked up the small cup of tea with both hands and sipped. "Mama, why have come today? Is there anything wrong with zumu? If there's anything you need, go look for Liu yiniang, she would surely serve zumu attentively.”

Yun Qian Meng spoke warmly like she did in the past, so the smile on Rui mama's face grew even more, then stood up and replied, "Thank you, da xiaojie, for your concern. All is well with the old madam. Today, she misses da xiaojie, so nubi was sent to ask da xiaojie to go to Bai Shun Tang.”

At her words, Yun Qian Meng raised an eyebrow as she looked at Rui mama's expression. Other than the smile on her face, there was nothing else but the kindness in her eyes so she laughed and said, "This is my fault. Many things recently happened recently, so actually hadn't been able to go and greet zumu. Since Rui mama has come today by chance. Let's go there together.”

Yun Qian Meng then stood up and lightly swept an eye at Mu Chun. Only when she saw that Mu Chun understood and nodded did she lead Rui mama and Mu Chun to Bai Shun Tang.

Though it was still early in the morning, the weather was quickly getting hot. Walking in the corridors for a little while, their foreheads already had a thin layer of sweat. Fortunately, xiangfu had quite a bit of vegetation and not everything was exposed to the sun, so moving around, there was cool and refreshing air occasionally.

They entered Bai Shun Tang's inner room along with Rui Mama, but Yun Qian Meng was a little surprised to see who were sitting there already.

Unexpectedly, Yun Yi Yi who was the old madam's favorite, was not here. Instead, the two brothers, Yun Yi Heng and Yun Yi Jie, were the sitting in the room, chatting and keeping the old madam company.

"Granddaughter is here to see zumu and also elder cousins." The three were talking happily but when Yun Qian Meng came in, the mood vanished. When the greetings were finished, the old madam then said, "Meng'er, quickly sit beside zumu. To have asked you here on such a hot day must be really hard on you.”

The old madam then gave Rui mama a meaningful glance, who then brought Yun Qian Meng to the old madam. The old madam then reached a hand out to pull Yun Qian Meng to sit her on the cold chair like a noble lady.

"Zumu are you well lately? Your granddaughter has been entirely unfilial; I did not listen to father words and haven't come over to Bai Shun Tang to pay respects. Rui mama had to tire herself to personally run over to Qi Luo Yuan." Yun Qian Meng neared the stool edge's and leisurely seated herself as she had slightly laughed while speaking.

"How could I blame you, good child? By all means, don't blame yourself. Today, Yi Yi, that girl, is also eager to stay cool. Qiu Bi Ju and Bai Shun Tang are quite close, yet she also has not been here every day to pay respects. Your Qi Luo Yuan is too far away, so don't put too much into that humble greetings, don't take it to heart.” How strange that the old madam words unexpectedly did not take a stab at anything and was actually so considerate of Yun Qian Meng. Mu Chun standing nearby was also feeling bewildered.

But at this time, Rui Mama interrupted, "Old madam does not know, but nubi just now had been to da xiaojie's courtyard. I saw that Mu Chun is the only one in the room serving da xiaojie. For da xiaojie status, these nucai are indeed being so lazy and should be punished.”

When the old madam heard these words, her eyebrows immediately screwed up. Her eyes looked at Yun Qian Meng with regret and immediately pulled Yun Qian Meng into her arms. Patting Yun Qian Meng's back, she whispered, "My child, ah! Truly you have been wronged. How about having two of Yi Yi's yatou's she has no need of to follow you back to Qi Luo Yuan to attend to you so you don't to employ new ones.”

Yun Qian Meng gave no indication of withdrawing from the old madam's embrace. With a sweet smile on her face, her tone was soft yet reserved as she said, "Thank you very much zumu. But those two yatou were chosen specifically by her, it would be inappropriate for me to take them. Secondly, zumu actually wrong about my courtyard's servants. I dislike the heat in crowds, so I sent them back to their rooms, leaving only Mu Chun to serve. They are not lazy like Rui mama says, every once in awhile somebody comes. So as not to disturb, my peace they just quietly enter the room.”

When she finished, she did not even wait for the old madam to reply before Yun Qian Meng's eyes looked at the still seated Yun Yi Heng and Yun Yi Jie. A little puzzled, she said, "Are cousins resting today? It has been a while since we last saw each other. Have cousins become accustomed to living in the capital?”

The old madam's brows slightly creased upon hearing Yun Qian Meng's words.

By her tone, it seemed like she was the one managing the xiangfu. She even inquired Yi Heng and Yi Jie's daily activities. Having said such things, Or was Yun Qian Meng saying that she had not payed her cousins any attention and was using this as a means to humiliate them?

Yun Qian Meng's eyes grew cold when the old madam knitted her brows, and immediately said, "The capital and the Su City are separated by a great distance, the weather must have been quite different. Cousins should take good care of yourselves.”

Only after her her explanation did the old madam relax her brows and then immediately laugh.

There was a long pause after his cousin spoke, but the conversation needed to continue so Yun Yi Heng answered in a warm voice, "Many thanks for Meng'er's concern. Although the capital and Su City are very far from each other, nevertheless they belong to the south of the long river. The weather may have some differences, but it is not overly evident. Meng'er seems to have grown thinner, have you been worrying too much about something recently?”

Looking at Yun Yi Heng, his eyes were calm, his speech eloquent and fluent. At first glance it appeared that the old madam's legitimate grandson did not have many skills. Yet witnessing this Yun Yi Heng now, though young, he actually dealt things and conversed in such a steady way compared to Yun Yi Yi who was only younger than him by four years. One could see that that Yun Yi Heng was diligent in learning, and would bring honor to his family in the future.

"Thank you very much cousin's concern. Perhaps because summer has already arrived and the clothes are replaced with thinner fabrics than the thick-layered ones for winter; it made people appear to have lost weight. Actually, cousin looks slightly pale, probably caused by the excessive reading. Cousin doesn't have to exhaust yourself so hard, the Imperial Examination does not happen overnight. Lately cousin has been studying as if your life depended on it. If you force your body to endure so much, when the time comes, your gains might not be worth the losses and you will end up saving a little and lose a lot." Yun Qian Meng replied with a faint smile, yet behind the smile was a hidden chill.

It seemed that Yun Yi Heng was actually a person who concealed his true strength as he bided his time; he normally kept to himself and was occupied with his studies, but when dealing with people, even his greetings could instantly destroy his opponent's reputation.

Just now, he simply said that she was excessively worrisome. If he knew about the people in the capital, perhaps he was aware of the recent happenings in Fu Guo Gong Fu.

Yun Yi Heng was merely reminding outsiders that her mother's family was accused of committing treason for glory, and that she herself was no more than a sinner as well.

For such thoughts to have come from the mind of a mere 17 year old boy was really terrible.

And the old madam pretended not to have heard the banter between her grandchildren. All the while, she had a peaceful smile on her face.

When Yun Yi Jie had seen Yun Qian Meng step foot into the room, those bright eyes stared at Yun Qian Meng's lush and slender figure incessantly. From time to time, his eyes would go so far as to show a flash of loathsome lust.

As Yun Qian Meng was unexpectedly speaking to his brother, Yun Yi Jie interrupted, "Cousin nowadays looks even more beautiful.”

Yun Qian Meng only then looked towards to Yin Yi Jie. He had been in the capital for around half a year already, but still had the same greasy-haired and powdered face he did in Su City, even those hostile eyes that harbored malicious intentions. Yun Qian Meng, with cold glint in her eyes immediately smiled and said, "Cousin's praise is too much. Meng'er actually thinks that meimei is even more stunning lately. Over time, she will definitely become a a lody of note in the capital.”

The old madam loved to hear this kind of flattery. Watching her two grandsons who were going to participate in this year's autumn exam, she held onto Yun Qian Meng's hand and refused to let go. She then said with some concern, "Whether Yi Yi can become a notable lady or not depends on her two brothers. If they pass the autumn exam this year, then we will not have to worry about Yi Yi's marriage in the future. Meng'er is aware that your uncle does not have any achievements and your dad is usually busy with official business, leaving us orphans and a widow behind to fruitlessly grasp at social connections.”

Hearing the old madam's words, Yun Qian Meng knew what she would be bringing up next.

Since they hit a snag with Yun Xuan Zhi, they would change their target to her.

The purpose right now was to move the attention from Yun Yi Yi who was quick to cause trouble, to the two lovable grandchildren. Showing Yun Qian Meng Yun Yi Heng's talents, so would pull some strings for them.

Yun Qian Meng was calm and collected with a slightly smile on her face, but the look in her eyes was becoming increasingly estranged as she only indifferently said, "Imperial Examinations are based on one's own abilities. Zumu should not to think of finding other ways of to pass it. Moreover, Meng'er sees that cousin's bearing is out of ordinary, really could even become well-know. Why does zumu worry so much? If people were to discover that zumu bribed the commanding officer who marks the exam papers, it would really ruin cousin's life.”

As the old madam listened to Yun Qian Meng's analysis, her complexion gradually turned indifferent. The hand that was holding Yun Qian Meng's hand slowly loosened. Yun Qian Meng adopted a posture that seemed to say that everything went in one ear only the exit out of the other, as she seemed to have only heard the beginning and the end.

When Yun Yi Heng heard Yun Qian Meng speak ill of him, his eyes were suddenly filled with rage. His hands tightly grasped onto the armrests as he restrained himself from getting angry so as to avoid being mocked by Yun Qian Meng.

As for Yun Yi Jie, he actually had an indifferent look, but hearing Yun Qian Meng's jabs actually made his heart twitch. Contrary to what one might expect, he actually wanted to get more intimate with his beautiful cousin.

Yun Qian Meng swept her gaze over the expressions of the people in the room, yet she refused to show that she was in a bad mood. Standing up to face them, three person to wish them happiness and luck she then said in a quiet voice, "Granddaughter would like to be excused.”

As Yun Qian Meng repeatedly rejected their requests time and time again, the old madam's heart was already dissatisfied and did not want to see her indifferent face. Somewhat agitated, she waved her hand for Yun Qian Meng to leave.

Yun Qian Meng had just taken a step out of Bai Shun Tang, when Yun Yi Jie hurriedly stood up, faced the old madam and also asked to be excused. He then worriedly chased after Yun Qian Meng's beautiful figure.

"Meng'er!” madly rushing to catch up, he finally saw the green silhouette of Yun Qian Meng, and Yun Yi Jie had immediately called aloud. He stopped running and walked slowly toward Yun Qian Meng.

"Xiaojie." Mu Chun had long since discovered that Yun Yi Jie's intention was not proper. Now that Yuan Dong was not by xiaojie's side, Mu Chun immediately stood in front to block Yun Qian Meng from his view as her eyes were alert in guarding against him.

"Meng'er, your yatou is so interesting." Yun Yi Jie once was still being foolish. Seeing Mu Chun's hostility, he still spoke to Yun Qian Meng while frivolously reaching out his right hand intending to touch Mu Chun's face. Mu Chun was frightened and grew pale, but faithfully stood her ground to protect Yun Qian Meng, refusing to make way.

But a cold hand pulled Mu Chun's arm, gently pulling her to the side. Immediately, the two of them had moved behind Yun Yi Jie. Yun Qian Meng suddenly kicked out one foot, and Yun Yi Jie suddenly fell forward along with his momentum and he fell flat on his face. Right just then, the image of the elegant gongzi suddenly vanished.

"Cousin, why were you not careful? Tripping while only walking? If can't walk steadily, it's better for you to go back and properly learn how to appear in from of people." Yun Qian Meng stood still, cold eyes gazing up at Yun Yi Jie as he was standing up.

This Yun Yi Jie really had a lot of courage to even dare to touch her yatou. He really thought she and Mu Chun were just two weak women that he could do whatever pleased and be disrespectful to.

Yun Yi Jie still had no reaction. But seeing Yun Qian Meng's hold on Mu Chun's arm, he immediately understood that it was Yun Qian Meng who just kicked him.

Even after being kicked by someone, there was still no anger in his face, and actually looked unconquerable. Patting the dust off his body, step by step he approaching Yun Qian Meng and said, "I did not think cousin had such a provocative side. You really make me want you even more.”

Before he was even finished talking, Yun Yi Jie stretched out his arms intending to hug Yun Qian Meng...

Mu Chun was greatly alarmed yet Yun Qian Meng was very calm and composed. She walked to where the flowers were in reach of the corridor, snapping a soft piece of branch. A white hand grabbed Yun Yi Jie's shoulder to turned him around. Immediately, her hands pulled at Yun Yi Jie's arms and quickly put his wrists together to tie his wrists tightly together with the soft branch, restraining him...

Yun Yi Jie did not anticipate that Yun Qian Meng would actually do something like that. He struggled to untie the branch but Yun Qian Meng had actually used the boatman's hitch to tie him. Though it looked simple, it was very difficult to undo and despite Yun Yi Jie's brow beading with sweat, those knotted branch did not even show any indication of loosening.

"Yun Qian Meng, let me go." How could Yun Yi Jie still playing tricks on a beautiful woman's mind at this moment? If brother saw his tied up appearance, he was certainly screwed. In his anxiety, he continuously called out Yun Qian Meng using her full name.

"What is cousin worried about? On such a hot day, Meng'er will take cousin somewhere nice to help relieve the summer heat." Yun Qian Meng pulled on the part of the branch that was hanging down a bit, forcing Yun Yi Jie to move forward and walk.

With his hands tied behind his back, Yun Yi Jie could only walk. Because Yun Qian Meng walked very fast, he nearly tripped several times and looked as miserable as his situation entailed. He had not been paying attention to where Yun Qian Meng was taking him, but because it was too humiliating, he did not to dare to shout.

Due to the hot weather, most of the nucai took shelter in the house where there was cool air, sono one noticed Yun Yi Jie's embarrassment.

"Cousin, you should properly relieve the summer heat." Yun Qian Meng suddenly stopped, without waiting Yun Yi Jie's reaction, she immediately extended her arms and shoved Yun Yi Jie's body into the lotus pond...

Splash!

As a huge wave rose, Yun Yi Jie became wet from head to toe. When he opened his mouth to curse Yun Qian Meng, he consumed several mouthfuls of the pond water, choking and looking very red.

Yun Qian Meng did not feel like offering any words to this kind of lowlife, so coldly glanced at Yun Yi Jie, and soon left the lotus pond together with Mu Chun.

Going to the old madam's place had wasted a lot of time. Yun Qian Meng had the coachman speed up, and they quickly arrived at Tian Fu Lou. She barely stepped into the entrance when she saw Rong Yun He run down from the second floor.