Chapter 17: The Tree Wants Quiet but the Wind Won't Stop

  "Cuiyun young lady, does your young master have any enemies?"

  "In response to your words, our young master is well-read and courteous, gets along with his neighbors, handles matters calmly and never oversteps his bounds. I've never heard of our young master having any grudges with anyone..."

  After changing into the green cloud, Zhao Pushan regained his spirit and continued to interrogate. Feng Xihui was thinking secretly on the side: "From the statements of these Yangfu servants, from Zhang Shisan entering the bathroom to Xia Gao shouting for help, it only took a short while. After that, the servants rushed into the bathroom, at which time the room was already in disarray, clothes and bathing utensils scattered all over the floor. They quickly went to fetch clothes to change Yang Wenguang into, and called all the guards to surround him.

  Someone immediately reported to the authorities, and Zhang and Wang, two patrolling inspectors who were on duty in the streets, rushed to the scene to investigate. They also sent someone back to the government office to report the incident and summon people to come over. Throughout the entire process, Yang Wenyuan did not leave, and there was always someone present in the bathroom. After the police arrived, they thoroughly searched the bathroom and the entire backyard garden, and it would have been impossible for a single needle to be hidden. If there had been a murder weapon, it would have been impossible for it to be concealed in the bathroom or thrown out of the window into the garden.

  In this case, Xia Yu would not have any suspicion. It is impossible for him to kill someone in such a short time, dress up neatly and jump out of the window, hide the murder weapon in a distant place, and then return to the scene, take off his clothes and pretend to be taking a bath. At that time, there were many people present, these slaves of the Yang family were all hired and had not signed a contract with the Yang family, it is impossible for them to cover up the murder case for the sake of their master, let alone Xia Yu had just arrived at the Yang family and had no one to trust, nor did he have the courage to entrust such a big matter that concerns his life to anyone.

  Actually, Feng Xihui never believed that Xia Jiu would be the murderer from the start, it was just a professional instinct, for anyone who had the conditions to become a murderer, he would first conduct an investigation in his mind. Now speculating whether Xia Jiu is suspicious or not is just a professional habit.

  Xia Fu had no suspicion, but the object of his true suspicion emerged in his mind: it was too thorny, that assassin was relentless and struck again. This time he failed, when would he come again? Who was this person after all?

  He thought for a moment, but there was no clue at all, he shook his head and left the interrogation room.

  Upon arriving at the mortuary, after a brief conversation with the two waiting inspectors, Wu Zhen made his examination and stood up to say: "The deceased was killed by being stabbed in the chest and abdomen with a sharp object. The location of the wound is extremely accurate, and it only took one strike to pierce the deceased's liver, also injuring the spleen. Judging from the wound on the body, it is wide outside and narrow inside, with smooth edges that gradually shrink inward. Based on this, I infer that the murder weapon should be a type of bladed instrument, at least over 1.5 feet in length. Apart from this, there are only a few minor scratches on the deceased's body, likely left during the struggle; nothing else was found."

  Feng Jianxiao watched as the white hemp cloth slowly covered Zhang Thirteen's wide-open eyes, and his heart secretly shuddered: "What a sharp and accurate killing technique. Yang Wenyuan died like this, and Zhang Thirteen also died like this. Yang Wenyuan was nothing special, his martial arts skills were limited, but Zhang Thirteen had decent martial arts skills, even though he was caught off guard and unarmed, it's still easy for him to be killed by someone, this assassin's skills are quite impressive."

  After Yang Wenyuan was assassinated, he had secretly investigated but found nothing suspicious. Unexpectedly, as soon as "Yang Wenyuan" returned to the city, the killer followed again like a ghost, stroking his prickly beard, and various doubts flooded his mind: "After Yang Wenyuan's death, we didn't publicly announce the news, wouldn't the killer find it strange? The news of 'Yang Wenyuan' going to remove the stone shed wasn't a secret, as long as someone was determined, they could have found out. Why didn't the assassin go to investigate or make another attempt? If he was certain Yang Wenyuan was dead and suspected that the government had set a trap, or if someone was impersonating him, why did 'Yang Wenyuan' return to the city and the killer still hadn't had a chance to confirm these doubts before making another move?"

  Feng Xihui was so cautious, how could he possibly find a reasonable explanation for the assassination attempt that Xia Yu had orchestrated and acted out himself on the real assassin.

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  In the signing room, Judge Dong Haotian smiled all over his face as he poured tea for Xia Chou, listening patiently to his passionate and incoherent accusations.

  This victim is not an ordinary citizen, he has a reputation and is a well-known scholar in Qingzhou Prefecture. This is a daylight robbery with knives drawn, which makes every wealthy family worried that they will be the next target. The security situation is so bad that it's infuriating to everyone. If 'Yang Wenxuan' mobilizes his friends from the scholarly and business communities to protest, things will get out of hand.

  When officials want to achieve some political achievements, they want to collect taxes and distribute corvée labor, they absolutely cannot do without the support of local gentry. If they let the entire gentry class be dissatisfied, no matter if you are a lenient or strict official, you will have to swallow your pride and leave in defeat. In local areas, unless it is during wartime and needs strong action from the imperial court to enforce policies, otherwise these local gentry's power far surpasses that of the government.

  Xia Liu was shocked and angry, saying: "In broad daylight, under the clear sky, someone dares to openly commit murder in my mansion! Fortunately, Thirteen Lang sacrificed himself to save me, and I also learned some basic martial arts skills in the school of the mansion, which allowed me to narrowly escape with my life. The assassin is so brazen, sir must take action for me!"

  Judge Dong hastily said: "Young Master Yang, please set your mind at ease. Such a heinous crime will not be tolerated in Qingzhou Prefecture. I will definitely apprehend the culprit and bring them to justice for you. Have you recently had any conflicts with anyone or do you have any familiar feelings towards the murderer?"

  "No," Xia Yu shook his head. "I have no impression of that assassin, nor have I ever had any grudges with anyone. At the time, I was taking a bath, and Zhang Banchang came in to report some family matters to me. Just then, the killer jumped in through the window, wearing a green robe and a green scarf over his face, wielding a shiny iron awl. I was so frightened that I couldn't move, but fortunately, Zhang Banchang reacted quickly and rushed up to fight with the thug."

  Thirteen Lang was stabbed in the chest by the thug, but before he died, he counterattacked and punched the thug's ribcage. The thug let out a muffled groan and fell to the ground. Wang Sheng only then came to his senses, hastily jumped out of the bathtub, grabbed a clothes rack to defend himself, and loudly called for help. Seeing that Wang Sheng's family members were about to arrive, he continued to swing the clothes rack, not letting the thug get close. The thug escaped through the window and fled.

  "Hmm..." The governor of the state furrowed his brow, twirling his mustache in contemplative silence.

  Xia Xun glanced at him, picked up the teacup and put it under his nose, sniffing the tea fragrance, quickly recalling in his mind: eyewitnesses, physical evidence, motive for the crime, all aspects were flawless, from last night's secret preparation to this morning bringing Xiao Ding out for a walk to provoke Zhang Shisan, thus luring him to come voluntarily, and there was no loophole in the whole process, so he felt even more at ease.

  A yamen runner slipped in quietly, and whispered a few words into Magistrate Dong's ear, apparently reporting on the progress of the trial at the other court. Magistrate Dong nodded, waved his hand to dismiss the runner, and said to Xia Xun: "Young Master Yang, the inquiry with your family members has ended, and they are now waiting outside the yamen gate. You may leave first, and if there is any development in the case, this official will notify you at once."

  "Alright, I hope the governor catches the murderer soon, farewell."

  "Hmm..." The governor continued, "Naturally, I will do my best to apprehend the culprit. However, during this period, young master, you should still be mindful of your safety when going out and bring more guards with you. I will also instruct the police officers to increase their patrols around your residence."

  "It's getting late, I'll take my leave."

  The county magistrate saw him off at the gate and, looking up, saw Feng Xihui standing under the side corridor, so he said: "Feng Jianxun, on behalf of this official, see Yang Gongzi off."

  Xia Liu and Feng Xihui walked shoulder to shoulder out of the second hall, bypassing the main hall, strolling past the moon platform. Looking ahead, they saw that just in front of them was the ceremonial gate with four beams and eight pillars, five rafters and four purlins. Since there was no one else on this section of the corridor, Xia Liu immediately slumped his shoulders and pleaded: "Lord Feng, please have mercy and let me go! How could I have known that Yang Xu would be killed by evil men even when he's at home? I really don't dare to accept this task. If I just beg for food to survive, my life will at least be spared... Lord, have mercy..."

  "Shut up!"

  Feng Xihui sternly stopped him, glanced around hastily, and said in a low voice: "It's too late to regret now! Don't forget, the affidavit you personally signed is still in my hands. If you don't listen to my orders, I can send you to the execution ground at any time. Can it be possible that you want to become a brocade guard from a humble commoner without taking any risk?"

  Xia Juan shrunk his neck and didn't dare to speak again. Feng Xihui slowed down his voice and said, "You don't have to be afraid, the county magistrate and the push officer are both very concerned about this case, they will definitely gather clever and capable catchers to seriously pursue the murderer. The culprit has not succeeded, and has already alarmed the government, so he must be hiding and dare not act rashly. You won't be in any danger for now."

  "Even if there's no danger at present, what about... in the future?"

  "Feng Xihui scolded: 'Do you think the captors are just eating idle rice? Isn't this a real culprit being pursued? After you go back, hire more guards in the mansion and try not to go out. Change your lodging at night and ensure your own safety as much as possible.'"

  "Stay indoors? I'd like to, but is it possible? Can Young Master Yang stay hidden at home and do business with the door closed? Will he attend the birthday banquet of King Qi? Will he go when friends come to welcome or see him off?"

  "Alright, alright, don't complain anymore. Just bring more bodyguards next time, that assassin is cautious and thinks ahead, always planning his escape route before making a move, would he dare to act in broad daylight? If you want to achieve great things, gain great success, and enjoy great wealth and honor, can you do it without taking risks? Even if you were a beggar who lived for a thousand years, would you have the chance to experience even one day of such happiness? Many people have risked their lives in desperate ventures and still couldn't get something as good as this, isn't it worth your while to take a gamble? What's there to complain about, really?"

  "Hmm... yes! Xiao... I understand!" Xia Yu muttered.

  Feng Xihui smiled and said, "That's right, you can go back now. Zhang Thirteen is dead, from now on if there's anything, report directly to me. Taking advantage of the fact that you were ambushed, my identity is close to yours, which also provides a suitable reason."

  "Yes! Then... then the little one took his leave."

  Xia Liu carried his robe and descended the steps, standing still outside the mansion gate. He turned around and bowed to Feng Xihui with a loud voice: "Sir, please stay, I will take my leave!"

  "Slow down, young master." Feng Xihui stopped in his tracks and also cupped his hands together.

  Xiao Guan had been waiting outside and, as soon as he saw the young master come out, he hastily led a group of servants including Xiaodie, Cuicui, Liu Pozi and Da Niu to drive the carriage forward to greet him.

  "Go home!"

  Xia Fu's sleeves fluttered as he sat upright in the carriage, emphasizing the word "home" with a heavy tone. He glanced around at the attendants following closely behind, but the only one missing was Zhang Shisan, that annoying thing. Xia Fu felt a wave of relief wash over him, finally having a sense of being the master of his own domain.

  The horse carriage started moving, and he subconsciously looked back again. Feng Xihui was still standing on the Danzhai, seeing him turn his head, and gave him a slight smile. Xia Jiu turned his head around, and a hint of gloominess appeared in his eyes: "Next time, it's your turn..."

  The little girl, Xiang, sat down in the carriage and couldn't wait to share her experience with Young Master: "Young Master, this is my first time entering a classroom in my life! Hehe, it's really fun inside. There's nothing in the classroom, completely different from what I thought. The only annoying thing is that Big Brother doesn't allow me to speak..."

  "Huh? Young master, why have you closed your eyes? Are you still afraid? Don't worry, Xiaodi will protect the young master."

  Xia Liu wanted to smile, but restrained herself and shook her head: "No."

  "Are you tired? Don't like Xiao Qi talking? Young master doesn't like it, then she won't say it."

  Xia Jie opened her eyes, touched her head, and smiled: "People often say that in the previous life you were a certain kind of person, this life will be reversed. You must have been a mute in your previous life, or it was I, Young Master, who wronged you into becoming a mute. So heaven sent you here to tell me all the things you didn't finish saying in your previous life. Hehe, speak up, Young Master wants to hear."

  Xiao Ding quickly covered her mouth: "Don't say it anymore, if you say too much, won't that person become mute again in the next life?"

  "Haha, never mind then. You young master take a nap." Xia Yu was teased by her into loud laughter, and he leaned back on the couch, closed his eyes to rest for a while.

  Xiao Qi: "......, cough......, Young Master, I thought the court would be like the descriptions in novels, with a cauldron of oil, a guillotine, iron rods, and a rack... But it's not like that at all. Those bailiffs and officials are all very friendly, they just smile non-stop as soon as we step into the courtroom, I don't know what they're laughing about..."

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  In front of the Yang's mansion, a lame man wearing a bamboo hat walked by with a limp. The hat was pulled low over his forehead, revealing only half of his face, with cheekbones that seemed to be chiseled and a dark blue beard under his chin.

  The lame man was walking slowly along the edge of the road, and when he stopped to catch his breath with his hand on a bamboo umbrella, his eyes quickly scanned this side of the street. Two constables were strolling over, hands resting on the hilts of their swords, their eyes narrowing as they saw the stranger or any strong-looking man, clearly because of the assassination case at the Yang estate, the authorities had strengthened patrols on this street, especially near the Yang estate.

  The lame man slightly lowered his head, the corner of his mouth lightly hooked up, revealing a hint of ruthless and cold calculation.

  He was always confused about Yang Wenyuan's life and death, he didn't believe that he would make a mistake, in Yunhe Town that one knife, he clearly knew that it must have taken Yang Wenyuan's life, but the Yang Mansion surprisingly did not spread the news of Yang Wenyuan's death, everything in the mansion was very calm. When Miss learned that Yang Wenyuan had not died, but had gone to Xieshi Village, he still told Miss with great certainty that this must be a trick set up by the Yang family or the government, and comforted Miss to remain calm and not fall into the trap set by the government.

  But more than ten days later, Yang Wenyuan came back, and he actually came back alive and kicking, not to mention dead, but even the look of being injured was gone.

  Stroking the young lady's palm, he slapped his cheek. His face didn't hurt, but it ached in his heart. He couldn't bear the thought that the young lady would think him cowardly and afraid of death, when in fact he hadn't even made a move, yet claimed to have killed Yang Wenhuan. The young lady was his goddess, and he couldn't let her doubt his loyalty. He would prove his devotion, no matter what!

  Seeing Yang Wenhuan's vigorous appearance, even he himself felt that his previous knife had indeed gone wrong. However, after repeated consideration, it couldn't be! Could it be that Yang and the government found someone to impersonate him? What was their purpose? Was it just to lure me into making another move? But how could such a coincidence occur, with Yang Wenhuan having just died and immediately finding someone who looked exactly like him? This matter is also too unbelievable!

  The young lady said to calm down and investigate the authenticity of this person, and not to act rashly before that. But he didn't think so, the young lady slapped him! The young lady scolded him as a coward! The young lady said he was a useless waste! He couldn't bear the young lady's contemptuous gaze towards him.

  He's not a very clever person, he can't figure out the key to Yang Wenhuan's resurrection, so he simply doesn't think about it: "Since you're alive, I'll just kill you again!" How simple? The thoughts of an unintelligent person are always direct and simple, but direct and simple methods are usually the most effective.

  But he hadn't made a move yet, when someone else struck first. This sudden interloper didn't kill Yang Wenhuan himself, but took out one of his attendants instead, which startled the snake in the grass and prevented him from making a move either - what an incredibly stupid fellow practitioner!

  But it doesn't matter, he will always wait for the opportunity to kill Yang Wenxuan with his own hands. This time, he wants to take Yang Wenxuan's head back and show it to Miss clearly, proving his "Second Knife" innocence!

  However, before taking action, he must be extremely cautious. He is not afraid of death and will rush into the imperial palace to kill the emperor if Miss orders him to do so, but he cannot bring any trouble to Miss and must do it cleanly and neatly, without leaving any aftermath!

  Two constables seemed to have noticed him and started staring at him, the lame man quickly turned around and walked into a nearby cooked food shop, ordering half a catty of braised pork head, two pig's ears, the shopkeeper carefully sliced the pork head and pig's ears into thin strips, drizzled with sesame oil, wrapped them in lotus leaves, tied with hemp rope, the lame man held it in his hand, then limped away to a distant place...