Chapter 95: A Bloody Scene

Chapter 95: A Bloody Scene

Having just arrived in a new environment, Hong'er was somewhat uneasy. Meng Chengtian was different from Xiao Yuchen; Liu Biqin had grown up with Xiao Yuchen as childhood friends and trusted him implicitly, whereas she had only met Meng Chengtian once.

But Hong'er didn't show her panic, instead smiling and saying, "Oh my, miss, just look at how well Master Meng treats you. What is there to be anxious about?"

Liu Biqin remained apprehensive, "But Meng Chengtian is married. What about his wife? Will she come looking for us here?"

"That's why, miss, you must swiftly capture Master Meng's heart without any hesitation," advised Hong'er.

Liu Biqin pursed her lips in silence, while Hong'er grew so anxious she was nearly sweating. When Meng Chengtian left, he had given her a silver note worth fifty taels and promised that if she could help him win his beloved within three days, she would be freed from servitude.

After what felt like an eternity, Hong'er heard Liu Biqin whisper, "I understand."

Hong'er's smile blossomed like a jubilant flower.

Three days later, Tang Shuyi received the report that Liu Biqin and Meng Chengtian had consummated their relationship. Tang Shuyi couldn't quite articulate her feelings, but she was certainly not overjoyed.

She summoned Xiao Yuming and briefed him on the situation, then said, "Meng Chengtian will likely visit Liu Biqin tonight. Take your elder brother to watch the play."

Xiao Yuming nodded with a solemn expression, only to hear Tang Shuyi add, "Bring your brother back safely."

"I understand," Xiao Yuming replied earnestly.

Tang Shuyi waved her hand, "Go get ready."

"Alright."

Xiao Yuming responded and left. Instead of returning to his own courtyard, he went to seek out Niu Hongliang, the most skilled fighter in the marquis's residence. Sneaking into another household at night would certainly not involve going through the front door; scaling walls was much more likely.

While he could manage it himself, the addition of another person complicated matters. Moreover, it was uncertain whether Meng Chengtian had arranged guards in that residence, so it was best to scout out the location first and then have an expert accompany them at night.

Upon meeting Niu Hongliang, Xiao Yuming explained the plan. Niu Hongliang couldn't help but frown and advise, "Second young master, this business of climbing over walls at night seems..."

"My mother ordered me to do this," Xiao Yuming interrupted him, adding, "She also asked me to take my brother with me. Master Niu, your task will be to assist my brother in scaling the wall."

Niu Hongliang: "…I need to consult the Lady Marquise."

"No need," Xiao Yuming leaned closer and recounted the matter between Xiao Yuzhen and Liu Biqin, omitting certain details like their current scheme, of course.

With a clearer picture, Niu Hongliang understood that the Lady of the Marquis intended to make the eldest son give up on his pursuit. He agreed, "Alright, have someone scout the area first, and I'll accompany you and the eldest son tonight."

Climbing walls with someone in tow was hardly a challenge.

Xiao Yuming arranged for the reconnaissance. By afternoon, the scout reported back that there were no guards inside or outside the residence. Xiao Yuming speculated that Meng Chengtian's lack of guards was likely to avoid stirring up trouble and attracting his ferocious wife's attention.

Regardless of the reason, the absence of guards made their task easier.

That evening, the family of four dined in Tang Shuyi's courtyard as usual. However, after the meal, Tang Shuyi excused herself for some work, sending the three siblings away and breaking the usual routine of after-dinner conversation.

Once they left Shian Garden, Xiao Yuming draped his arm over Xiao Yuzhen's shoulder, grinning. "There's a fantastic play tonight. I'll take you to see it."

Xiao Yuzhen turned to look at him. "What play?"

Xiao Yuming's voice was hushed and mysterious. "Liang Jianan's play. Interested?"

Realization dawned on Xiao Yuzhen's face. "Is this what you've been keeping from me?"

Xiao Yuming replied hesitantly, "…Yes. Are you coming or not?"

"Of course, I am," Xiao Yuzhen immediately responded. He might not be taking direct action, but the downfall of Liang Jianan would bring him joy.

Seeing his brother's enthusiasm, Xiao Yuming didn't know what to say. He just sighed internally, acknowledging that discomfort was inevitable, sooner or later.

After changing into dark clothes, Xiao Yuming led Xiao Yuzhen to meet Niu Hongliang, and the trio headed to Liu Biqin's hideout. Reaching the residence, Xiao Yuming scaled the wall with practiced ease.

Xiao Yuzhen, however, looked at the high wall with mixed feelings. He had never done anything like this in his life; it was unbecoming of a gentleman.

"Hurry up," Xiao Yuming whispered down from the wall.

"My apologies, Eldest Young Master."

As soon as Niu Hongliang's voice faded, Xiao Yuzhen felt himself being hoisted by the collar and thrown upwards. He landed on the wall, almost tumbling down, only to be steadied by Xiao Yuming.

Sitting atop the wall and catching his breath, Niu Hongliang joined them quietly.

Xiao Yuzhen had something to say but chose silence, following Xiao Yuming along the wall to a rooftop. Niu Hongliang carefully lifted some tiles, cleared underneath, peeked down, and then looked up with a complicated expression.

Xiao Yuming followed suit and looked down, maintaining a calm facade upon looking up. But Xiao Yuzhen knew he was hiding something. Then he heard him say, "Brother, the show is right below. Take a look."

Xiao Yuchen suddenly felt that tonight was probably not about watching Liang Jianan's play, but something else entirely.

"Big brother, look." Xiao Yuming urged.

Xiao Yuchen frowned slightly and looked down. Through the square gap between the tiles, he could clearly see the scene in the room below.

He saw in the elegantly furnished room, a woman sitting on a man's lap, smiling sweetly as she fed him, while the man kissed her rosy lips...

That woman was the one he longed for day and night, the one he decided to let go of, causing him pain - his beloved Miss Qin.

Xiao Yuchen felt as if the whole world had come to a standstill, except for the two lively figures below.

His heart seemed to ache, but he felt numb; his only thought was to kill, to take the life of that man. He abruptly stood up, intending to leap down from the rooftop, but was firmly held back.

"Big brother, what are you trying to do?" Xiao Yuming's hands tightly clamped down on Xiao Yuchen's shoulders as he asked.

"Kill him, kill Meng Chengtian." Xiao Yuchen's eyes were filled with rage.

"If you kill him, you'll ruin mother's plan," Xiao Yuming stared intently into Xiao Yuchen's eyes, continuing, "Didn't you see? Your Miss Qin willingly betrayed your so-called love. She offered herself to Meng Chengtian of her own volition."

Confronted with the harsh reality, Xiao Yuchen felt as if a blade had violently pierced his heart, the pain was unbearable. Then, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood...