In her previous life, it was the Yongyi Hou Mansion that Zhou Yinzhi had investigated.
Later, Shen Jie ascended the throne and rehabilitated the Yongyi Hou Mansion.
Subsequently, Zhou Yinzhi met his demise, shot dead by Xie Wei's arrow, with his head displayed on the palace gate.
His track record was evidently far from virtuous.
Dedicated to power and high status, he consistently employed unscrupulous means to achieve his objectives. However, he exhibited caution and circumspection in his actions, making it challenging to catch him in the act.
This was precisely why Jiang Xuening smoothly manipulated him in her past life.
However, in this life, she had no intention of entering the palace. Deepening her ties with Zhou Yinzhi would be akin to courting danger. Nevertheless, he remained her sole connection to information about Yongyi Hou's mansion's involvement in Pingnan Wang's old case. With the looming threat of Xie Wei's unpredictable actions, she had no choice but to establish contact with him, despite her reluctance.
Internally sighing, she re-entered the carriage and instructed, "Head to the Sky Tower."
As darkness settled in, late autumn brought the appearance of swan geese.
Few patrons were drinking at the rooftop establishment.
Chen Ying, elevated to the position of a Ministry of Justice official six months prior, toyed with a wine cup filled with fine wine. Despite his idleness, he remarked, "Jin Yiwei has always adhered to the commands of His Majesty. Investigating Yongyihou's mansion is likely the emperor's intention. Those remnants of Pingnan Wang Yidang have been detained in the Ministry of Criminal Justice's prison for several days, yielding no valuable information. Today, I was ordered to stir things up, attempting to extract something from their mouths. Your lord, as you are always at His Majesty's side, can you guide us officials regarding what His Majesty wishes to glean from them?"
Chen Ying had gained notoriety for his brutal methods of torturing prisoners. Although his tactics were harsh and even inhumane, they had proved effective in solving several major cases, earning him considerable acclaim at the local level. This included the significant achievement of eliminating Tianjiao's followers in Jiangsu.
However, he also had a penchant for discerning the intentions of those higher up the hierarchy.
Working in the emperor's proximity, sometimes the truth mattered less than what the emperor wanted to hear.
Seated across from him, the man, who hadn't attended a feast or entered the palace that day, donned a simple white robe with long sleeves and minimal adornments. His hair was tied in a plain style, without any ornate hairpins. Currently, he focused on a newly crafted guqin on the table, its polished surface gleaming like a mirror, with intricately carved goose feet for support. Despite Chen Ying's probing, the man continued to lower his eyes, delicately plucking the qin's strings one by one.
Chen Ying's eyes flickered as he commented, "Our Majesty may appear magnanimous, but I, Chen, can sense an undercurrent of suspicion in his heart. His Majesty is overly wary."
Xie Wei tightened the first string, winding it around the goose foot on the right side at the back of the guqin.
Chen Ying couldn't help but scrutinize his expression. "Master, Young Master like you, was once a hero who assisted the Holy One in ascending the throne. Yet now, you're merely a 'Master Master' without a concrete position, not even a 'Great Master.' It's perplexing. You have to be cautious—there's the truth of being the emperor's teacher, but not the official title. Yet, Luo Shizi, an inexperienced monk, was not only appointed the national teacher but also tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Rites. From an ordinary official to a minister! If you possessed even a tenth of your capability, you wouldn't tolerate such a situation. Is it possible that the young teacher lacks even half the mettle?"
Xie Wei possesses innate guqin-playing skills. His nail covers are clean and transparent, exuding a sense of warmth. As he continues to string the guqin, he remarks, "Chen Ying, be cautious. His Majesty is the Ninth Five-Year Honor; how can one presume to fathom the emperor's mind? Kuang Wei, the scholar, merely excels in paper talk. Master Yuanji, in the past, discussed Taoism and showcased his Buddhist attainments when residing in the Holy Majesty's mansion. The Holy Majesty's appointment of him as a national teacher has its reasons. Thunder, rain, and dew—all are benevolent. Why not consider it fair?"
Chen Ying laughs, seemingly unconvinced. "Whether it is fair or not is known to the government and the public. You offer guidance; how should the lower officials interrogate this person?"
Xie Wei responds, "Conduct the trial as you see fit."
Chen Ying frowns. "What if we opt not to proceed with the trial?"
Xie Wei states, "If Master Chen is unable to judge, I believe I can appoint someone capable."
Chen Ying is suddenly moved, already contemplating the matter. He promptly sets down the wine cup and bows. "Mr. Xie, please offer your advice."
As Xie Wei continues stringing the guqin, intermittently plucking the strings to test the sound, the ambient sounds from upstairs persist. The setting sun casts a gentle glow, lengthening his figure without altering his expression.
Knowing that Xie Wei cherishes the guqin he has crafted for three years, Jian Shu, who has been standing beside him with his sword in hand, frowns. After pondering for a while, he hesitates and suggests, "Sir, should we let them investigate like this?"
Xie Wei replies, "If not Chen Ying, someone else would have done it."
Jian Shu falls silent.
After a while, a waiter ascends from downstairs, holding a lacquered plate laden with food and wine. "My lord, your order has arrived."
Jian Shu questions, "Why would our master place an order?"
The waiter appears surprised. "Didn't the master who just left place an order for you?"
Despite his ordinary appearance, the waiter's speech carries a hint of the Wuyue accent.
When did the brothel have such a mistress?
Jian Shu senses something amiss, raises his eyebrows sharply, unsheathes his sword, and warns, "Sir, be cautious!"
"Wow!"
The sound of the unsheathed sword makes the "innocent waiter" realize he's been exposed. The affable expression he maintained instantly transforms into a ferocious one. He pushes the lacquered plate of food and wine toward Jian Shu while simultaneously drawing a short knife, approximately one and a half feet long, from the chessboard. He attacks Xie Wei!
"Die!"
Xie Wei rises, holding the qin. The assailant's dagger approaches, and with a resounding "Zheng," the newly threaded strings break under the knife's tip!
There is also a knife mark on the qin's body!
Xie Wei's previously calm and warm expression turns cold.
Xiejie Hutong isn't too far from the building. Believing Yan Lin should arrive shortly, Jiang Xuening parks the carriage diagonally across the road from the building. She instructs the driver to fetch someone from the building. However, moments after the coachman departs, a black shadow emerges from outside!
A flash of bright knife light is the only warning before a short knife is pressed against her neck. Tang'er, also in the car, doesn't have time to scream; she is struck on the back of the neck, losing consciousness and falling at Jiang Xuening's feet!
In this moment, feeling the cold blade against her neck, Jiang Xuening has one thought in her mind—thousands of knives!
Bengong truly wished to kill me to silence me!
However, she soon realized that something was amiss. Shouts emanated from the opposite building; someone was loudly proclaiming a search inside and outside. Subsequently, a tumult of chaotic footsteps ensued. A report came back that no one had been spotted.
Jiang Xuening couldn't see the face of the person holding her hostage. Instead, she sensed a subtle trembling in the hand grasping the knife, as if engaged in a fierce struggle, mirroring her own nervousness.
Soon, footsteps drew near the carriage. Someone stopped in front of the vehicle. Listening to the voice, she heard, "Is Miss Ning Er in the carriage?"
Only Xie Wei would address her as "Miss Ning Er." Even without recognizing the voice, she could discern the speaker's identity.
Her heart skipped a beat.
The one holding a knife to her neck was likely an assassin. Xie Wei intended to apprehend this individual. The assailant refrained from attacking, presumably deducing from her carriage that the occupant held significant status and intended to use her as leverage.
Though her life ostensibly hung in the balance due to a knife-wielding assailant, the situation was far more dreadful!
Xie Wei could orchestrate her demise under the guise of eliminating the assassin or rebellious elements. He might attribute it to rebel factions or even allow the assailant to hold her hostage without satisfying any of the assassin's demands, deliberately awaiting the assassin to execute her!
This approach eliminated the need for cover-ups or explanations.
Death could not be more worry-free; it offered complete dissociation of Xie Wei from her demise. At most, he could claim inability, and none could cast aspersions.
As Jiang Xuening contemplated this, her scalp tingled, and she dared not glance back at the knife-wielding assassin. Following a push from the assailant, she immediately spoke with a tremor in her voice, "It's me."
Xie Wei outside queried again, "Only you?"
Unable to fathom the assassin's intentions, Jiang Xuening refrained from answering.
The assassin grinned sardonically, "Of course, she's not the only one."
The servant next to Xie Wei had responded too swiftly, causing the assassination attempt to fail. Subsequently, the public rushed to apprehend him, presuming that Xie Wei had ample covert protection when he ventured out.
Left with no alternative, the assassin fled, seeking refuge only in this carriage.
Considering Xie Wei's ability to assist the tyrannical emperor in ascending the throne, the assassin possessed some foresight. Thus, it wasn't surprising that he deduced Jiang Xuening's presence in the carriage. Rather than conceal it, he intentionally hinted at knowing the girl inside.
This implied there was something to discuss.
With a knife pressed against Jiang Xuening's neck, the assassin inquired, "Do you know the person surnamed Xie?"
Compared to the person outside, this assassin wasn't the most perilous.
Having already revealed her shortcomings before Xie Wei once, Jiang Xuening feared that he might discern more this time and exploit the opportunity to terminate her. Initially apprehensive, she uttered in a quivering voice, "I know, I know. I saved Xie Wei's life four years ago. Although I don't know who the he is, I have something to say. Please don't act rashly…"
This plea wasn't just for the assassin but also for Xie Wei.
At the end of her life in her previous existence, she used the favor accrued over many years to preserve Zhang Zhe's life, restoring his lifelong reputation. Now, it had only been a few days since her rebirth, and she knew more than in her previous life. She acted more astutely than before.
However, she hadn't anticipated needing to cash in favors so soon to save her life!
Outside the carriage, Xie Wei stood separated from the occupants by a hanging curtain. Rather than expressing surprise at the assassin's voice, Jiang Xuening's remarks caused a slight twitch of his eyebrows, finding something intriguing.
With no pedestrians in sight, the streets seemed deathly quiet.
Jian Shu gazed at the carriage, his face stern.
Simultaneously, Xie Wei gestured toward a young man standing beside him, dressed in tight sleeves and carrying a quiver of arrows on his back. With a subtle wave of his hand, he signaled the man to depart. Turning his attention back to the carriage's interior, Xie Wei spoke, "Indeed, Miss Ning Wei has saved my life, and her father shares a strong rapport with Wei. Rebelling against the court due to grievances is a matter of public concern. Now, kidnapping an unfamiliar girl is a suspect who harms innocent people. Choosing rebels over saving a benefactor, you should opt for the latter. Even if you contemplate it, you wouldn't want to die here. If you're willing to release Miss Ning, I can order someone to fetch a letter. This way, someone can open the city gate for you, ensuring your safe exit from Beijing."
"What nonsense!"
Jiang Xuening couldn't believe a word of it.
However, she was controlled by others and couldn't speak rashly. In front of Xie Wei, she didn't dare to voice her skepticism.
The assassin, feeling incredibly lucky to have seized Xie Wei's former savior, laughed triumphantly, "It seems God has given me a chance to escape. I've heard that Master Xie is devoted to Taoism and avoids entanglements with women. Yet, here he is, expressing concern for a woman. Since you claim she's your savior and wish for her safety, it's quite simple. Why don't you come and take her place? It would be better for me to escort you out of the city, wouldn't it? Otherwise…"
His voice paused, then turned menacingly cold, "I'll kill this woman now!"
Cold sweat broke out on Jiang Xuening's back, cursing the assassin for being foolish. In the previous life, whether it was King Pingnan's rebellion or the Heavenly Religion uprising, Xie Wei controlled them all. This assassin's plan was woefully behind!
Could Xie Wei be trusted?
The assassin foolishly believed he could use her as leverage to force Xie Wei to take her place.
If Xie Wei wanted to, he could take her head and stroll with it in his hands!
An eerie silence enveloped the scene.
Growing impatient, the assassin threatened, "I'll count to dozens. If you haven't made up your mind—"
"No need to count."
Xie Wei's calm voice cut through the tension.
Jiang Xuening's heart raced.
Xie Wei continued, "Your Excellency, please release Miss Ning. I will take her place."
Jiang Xuening: "…"
Whatever she thought, the assassin was overjoyed. Little did he know that since Xie Wei had made a move, he didn't intend to leave alive. Asking Xie Wei to replace her was merely a distraction; his true aim was to strike when the exchange was close!
"You, open the curtain."
The assassin ordered Jiang Xuening viciously, keeping the knife firmly against her neck.
Jiang Xuening moved slowly, leaning forward, extending her hand to gradually open the carriage curtain. The reddish glow of the sky suddenly flooded in.
Then, he noticed that Xie Wei was standing thirty feet away in front of her carriage, his demeanor indifferent, eyebrows unruffled, and eyes profound. He wore a wide robe with billowing sleeves, untouched by dust. While possessing strikingly handsome facial features, the first impression one got was of a restrained bearing, exuding a tranquility akin to ancient saints chanting in high mountains or reclusive hermits tending to mountain herbs.
His gaze, peaceful and profound, fell on her across the distance.
Jiang Xuening shivered.
A realization struck her—besides Xie Wei, there was a swordsman adept in swordsmanship, and another taciturn archer.
Casting a glance beyond, she discerned the silhouette of a high-rise structure…
It seemed that when the assassin left the carriage, entering their line of sight, it would mark the moment of his demise!
Yet, uncertainty lingered. Would Xie Wei deal with her "incidentally"?
The assassin behind her also stole a glance, directing Xie Wei, "I told everyone to withdraw thirty feet away!"
All eyes with knives and swords pivoted to Xie Wei.
In response, he gestured for them to step back, maintaining a steady gaze on the assassin. Addressing him, Xie Wei asserted, "Rest assured, Wei dares not endanger the life of his benefactor's beloved daughter. A gentleman guarantees that if you release her, your life will remain unharmed."
The onlookers retreated, leaving Xie Wei alone.
The assassin declared, "You come forward."
Xie Wei complied.
Stopping when he was only six feet from the carriage, the assassin ordered him to halt. He then pushed Jiang Xuening, who was reluctantly compelled to descend. She feared an arrow might pierce her head once she stepped down, but the knife at her neck left her little choice.
She proceeded reluctantly.
Held by the assassin, she inched closer to Xie Wei.
Every fiber of her being trembled.
She sensed the arrival of Yan Lin, as if he stood right outside, knocking on the door.
Unexpectedly, when the assassin finally closed in on Xie Wei, he pushed her without warning and raised his knife to slash at Xie Wei!
Xie Wei's expression remained unchanged.
In an instant, Jiang Xuening perceived this as an opportunity and rushed towards Xie Wei without hesitation. She refused to believe that, with Xie Wei behind her, the archer on the upper floor dared to target her.
A sweet and chilly fragrance engulfed her as Xie Wei anticipated the assassin's move. However, he hadn't anticipated Jiang Xuening "falling over." The corners of his eyes twitched momentarily. Fortunately, he reacted swiftly. Before she threw herself down, he extended his hand to support her, simultaneously increasing the distance between them.
Simultaneously, a sharp "whoosh" sliced through the air. A bowstring vibrated in the tense atmosphere.
Arrows shot like lightning from the tall building!
Jiang Xuening's pupils contracted sharply, convinced she was about to meet her end.
Yet, the next moment, a swathe of white snow obstructed her vision.
Xie Wei, his brows furrowed, raised his hand and used the wide sleeves of his robe as a barrier.
Jiang Xuening, startled, couldn't see what was transpiring ahead.
In her ears, she heard the gruesome sound of an arrow piercing through flesh, akin to penetrating a crisp watermelon. Subsequently, crimson shadows of blood splattered onto the pristine sleeve robe.
Appalling!
The assassin's knife hovered a mere two or three inches from Xie Wei. The ferocity hadn't faded from his face when a feathered arrow lodged between his eyebrows. The shaft penetrated the skull and emerged from the back of his head!
The archery prowess was undeniably terrifying!
The assassin crumpled, his last breath escaping with lingering disbelief in his eyes.
Xie Wei's countenance remained impassive. He spared the scene only a glance before releasing Jiang Xuening's arm and lowering the hand that shielded her with his robe.
Jiang Xuening steadied herself, and without the cover of his sleeve robe, she witnessed the assassin's demise. Gazing towards the nearby building, she discerned a blue-clad young man with a quiver on his back, who had stowed away his bow and retreated into the shadows.
Red and white adorned the ground, a gruesome mix of blood and brain matter. If not for Xie Wei's previous gesture, these unsightly remnants would have likely stained her.
Jiang Xuening, standing aside, felt a wave of nausea from the acrid odor. Her face paled, and she turned away, unable to bear the sight.
The guards, who had retreated earlier, rushed back at this moment.
Someone went to inspect the fallen assassin.
Jian Shu approached Xie Wei directly.
Xie Wei's left sleeve was now drenched in blood. Even his slender, pristine hand was tainted.
Observing this, Jian Shu produced a clean brocade handkerchief from his sleeve and offered it with both hands. "Sir."
Xie Wei accepted it but redirected his gaze. His eyes fell on Jiang Xuening's ear.
After a moment, he extended the brocade handkerchief only to her.
Jiang Xuening hesitated for a moment.
She reluctantly raised her hand, feeling a slight stickiness on her fingertips. Lowering her hand, she noticed a few bloodstains that had splashed onto her earlobe.
A shiver ran down her spine.
Terrified of Xie Wei, she failed in her attempt to rush at him. No arrow found its mark on her, and now, as he handed her the brocade handkerchief, she was struck by a mix of shock and panic.
After much hesitation, her thick eyelashes trembled as she carefully extended her hand, taking the brocade handkerchief from Xie Wei. In a low voice, she uttered, "Thank you, sir."
It was a response dictated by the circumstances earlier.
But now…
Haunted by the embarrassment of being labeled "self-respecting" by him in her past life, she treaded cautiously. Though she held the brocade handkerchief, her fingers avoided making contact with his palm, and the delicate white fabric, crafted from top-grade silk, slipped through his fingers seemingly without a trace as she took it.
Xie Wei's long fingers twitched slightly, akin to a spasm. In that moment, he glimpsed a shallow scar on her wrist when she extended her hand, and a faint whiff of the desperate ambiance from a certain year emanated from her mouth.
Retracting his hand, he placed it behind his back, a semblance of weakness accompanying his demeanor.
At this juncture, he regarded her and remarked, "You're certainly surprised Miss Ning Er."
Jiang Xuening wiped away the blood from her ear, the handkerchief now stained crimson.
Lowering her gaze, she replied, "Fortunately, I encountered an adult. I knew you'd find a way to rescue me, so everything is fine."
"Is it really?" Xie Wei extended his hand towards her, a calm tone accompanying his words. "However, when I overheard Miss Ning Er referencing an old favor to save lives in the carriage just now, it seemed more like she fears danger and would resort to anything to save herself. It appears that danger provokes a more deliberate response."
Horrified by his words, Jiang Xuening tried to regain composure. "I dare not confront the assassin's inquiry. In a moment of panic, I feared he might indiscriminately kill me if he perceived me as ordinary. I admit, I was mistaken. Is it not so?"
Upon completing her statement, she noticed his outstretched hand and promptly returned the brocade handkerchief.
Xie Wei reclaimed the brocade handkerchief with the blood-stained white silk and meticulously wiped his blood-spattered left hand. Lowering his eyes, he closed them, maintaining silence.
The quietude caused Jiang Xuening's heart to race.
Observing this, Jian Shu, by his side, cast a glance at Xie Wei and discreetly withdrew the brocade handkerchief he was about to offer.
After a while, a report came in, "My lord, Yan Shizi is waiting outside and wishes to enter."
Xie Wei ceased wiping, raised his gaze to Jiang Xuening, and stated, "Jian Shu, escort Miss Ning over."
Jian Shu acknowledged, "Yes."
Jiang Xuening held her breath, bowed to Xie Wei, refraining from inquiring about the maid in the carriage, and followed Jian Shu across the lengthy street to Yan Lin's side.
Once they departed, Dao Qin descended from upstairs.
He cradled a guqin in his arms.
Accepting it, Xie Wei raised his hand to gently stroke the broken strings and the knife mark that cut deep into the belly of the qin. His face remained expressionless, and after a prolonged pause, he uttered, "Send the corpse to the Ministry of Punishment and request Chen Ying to inspect it."