The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 3)

Chapter 30 - Meeting

While Marquis of Changning's family was busy preparing to find a new wife for Song Yi, Lai Chenglong finally returned to the capital from Yangzhou. The findings he brought back were much the same as those from the joint investigation: there was no evidence of collusion between Cui Shaoting and the Yangzhou prefect, but plenty of proof surfaced regarding Zhang Tianhe's dealings with the former prefect of Yangzhou, as well as some unresolved remnants from the Yangzhou corruption case. It was clear to him that someone wanted him to uncover these details and report them to Emperor Jianzhang. Upon his arrival in the capital, his trusted confidants quickly updated him on recent events. Seated in the Surveillance Bureau's office, he sipped his tea as two Deputy Commanders arrived.

Jia Yingxin and Xu Liang were both trusted aides who had been groomed by Chen Xiang. They were capable, which was why they'd managed to secure positions within the Jinyiwei even after Chen Xiang was executed by Emperor Jianzhang. However, they were also quite ambitious—after all, Jinyiwei could easily make someone's life a living hell or, worse, push them to a fate worse than death. The fact that Zhang Tianhe had managed to take his own life right under Jinyiwei's watch was something they all silently acknowledged as intentional.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lai Chenglong looked over the documents, which bore all the necessary seals and signatures, expertly crafted to be watertight. He gave the documents a quick glance before closing them and preparing to report to Emperor Jianzhang.

By the time he finished his tasks, evening lights were beginning to illuminate the streets. His embroidered dagger gleamed in the light of the street lanterns, adding an extra edge to his already intimidating presence. His loyal followers, waiting to celebrate his return, eagerly invited him to the renowned Shizi Pavillion for a welcome feast.

Not long ago, Shizi Pavillion had belonged to Wang Ying's daughter. Now it had new ownership. Wang Ying, unlike Zhang Tianhe, lacked the resolve to die. His refusal to go quietly meant he had to use his wealth to secure his position, resulting in all his taverns and shops changing hands.

As Lai Chenglong surveyed the guests, Jiang Hong leaned in to whisper, "That's Deputy Commander Xu Liang's brother-in-law. He's the new owner of Shizi Pavillion."

Xu Liang had reaped considerable benefits under Chen Xiang, and after Chen Xiang's downfall, he cozied up to the Prince of Dongping. Not that he switched sides per se—he was a smooth operator with connections across the board but maintained particularly close ties with the Prince of Commandery.

It seemed this was a gesture of thanks for Zhang Tianhe's timely demise. Raising his glass, Lai Chenglong clinked cups with Xu Liang's brother-in-law and downed his drink. He suddenly remembered what Cui Shaoting had once told him: "The Jinyiwei is no battlefield; merits aren't earned just by risking your life. There are twists and turns everywhere." Back then, he had laughed it off, but now he understood the wisdom in those words. Despite his direct promotion by Emperor Jianzhang, he still couldn't wield complete control over the Jinyiwei. While he ran himself ragged in Yangzhou, these two were leisurely raking in wealth at the capital's office.

Jiang Hong, watching his superior leave, slammed his cup on the table and muttered in frustration, "Damn it! We risk our lives every day, yet we live worse than those who mooch off their wives and get rich on inns and silver..."

Following Lai Chenglong didn't seem to pay off as much as he'd hoped. Taking another swig of his drink, Lai Chenglong slipped out early.

He rarely attended such events, and had it not been for his recent return from Yangzhou and Jiang Hong's persistence, he wouldn't have come. Now that he was leaving, Jiang Hong and the others didn't make much of it, offering only token protests before seeing him off.

Just as Lai Chenglong reached for his horse, he noticed a familiar-looking, simple green carriage across the street.

In that moment of hesitation, a coachman, who'd been waiting for half the day, leapt down, grabbed Lai Chenglong's horse, and greeted him with a grin, "Sir, we've been waiting ages for you! Miss Yingchun is eager to see you!"

It was... Luo Gui, one of Song Chuyi's attendants. Following Luo Gui's gaze up to the second floor of Shizi Pavillion, Lai Chenglong spotted a hastily shut window.

So, this was the work of Xu Liang's associates... He let out a cold laugh, raising his voice to match Luo Gui's words. "Who's Yingchun? Today I want something fresh! Let's go!"

Luo Gui hurried to guide Lai Chenglong's horse out of the alley and onto the main street, quietly saying, "Please forgive me, sir, but our young lady has a request..."

Using this excuse of meeting with a courtesan was indeed the least likely to arouse suspicion. The young girl might have been young, but she understood a lot. Lai Chenglong thought of Song Chuyi, whose temperament bore some resemblance to Cui Shaoting's, and his irritation lessened. Smiling, he interrupted Luo Gui, "I understand what she said. So, what's this about?"

He assumed Sixth Miss Song wanted to thank him. After all, his actions had played a part in Cui Shaoting avoiding this disaster, so he expected some gratitude.

It seemed the young girl had a bit of conscience, and his efforts to relay information had not been in vain. Cui Shaoting had raised a good niece. Reflecting on this, he felt a pang of melancholy—unlike others, his position in the Jinyiwei had brought him nothing but disdain, with no wealth to show for it, and he still worried about finding a good marriage for his daughter.

But Luo Gui shook his head, guiding Lai Chenglong's horse down another alley, lowering his voice, "Our young lady is waiting inside and has something to discuss with you."

The girl was becoming bold indeed, tracking his movements and setting a place to meet.

Luo Gui stopped at a red-lacquered door, knocked three times, and then gave it a nudge with his foot. The door creaked open, and Ma Wangkun poked his head out. Seeing Lai Chenglong, he quickly bowed and invited him inside, "Our young lady has been waiting a long time. Please come in, sir!"

Luo Gui led the horse away to be fed, while Lai Chenglong stepped inside, surprised to find that this seemingly unremarkable courtyard was quite different inside. As a soldier familiar with battlefields, he instinctively sensed that there were at least five or six skilled guards hidden in the shadows. For a young lady of the inner chambers, Song Chuyi possessed surprising freedom, a sizable property, and even her own staff... Was Cui Shaoting, along with the Cui family and the Marquis of Changning's household, perhaps indulging her too much?

A few more steps brought him past a large tree, where Qingying, waiting by the moon gate, curtsied with a smile and led him further inside.