Chapter 91: Mei Niang

Chapter 91: Mei Niang

Mei Niang's face was devoid of any coquettish charm as she stood humbly before Xie Zhifei.

"Third Master is capable, but Mei Niang is not."

"How so?"

"Some debts haven't been collected this month," she replied.

Third Master Xie straightened up and patted Mei Niang's shoulder gently, still wearing a slight smile on his face.

"Don't you have the teeth to bite back? Couldn't you send someone to give Third Master a message? I'll take care of it for you."

"It's the Prince of Han's heir," Mei Niang whispered.

"In that case... there's nothing Third Master can do," he said with a laugh. "Shall we endure it for now?"

"Yes!"

Mei Niang continued, "The accounts for last month have been reconciled. Sir..."

"Hand them over to Zhu Qing."

"Understood!"

Third Master Xie waved his hand, and Mei Niang bowed before leaving.

Just as no one would have expected the head of the gambling house to be a woman, few in the capital knew that Mei Niang's true backer was none other than Third Master Xie.

"Xie Fifty."

Pei Xiao approached and tapped Xie Zhifei's foot with his own. "Do you think Yan Sanhe will figure out our..."

"He might not guess everything, but he'll get a good idea."

"You're certain?"

"Zhu Qing."

Zhu Qing emerged from the shadows. "Master Pei, I was with Miss Yan today, and she said something."

"What did she say?"

"She said that Third Master is deeply concealed."

Pei Xiao's body jolted. He thought to himself, Buddha, how can Xie Fifty's acting still be seen through?

This, this, this...

This girl has a keen eye!

Xie Zhifei rubbed his temples, which were starting to ache.

"Be cautious when you speak with her in the future. She doesn't waste words; every sentence has a purpose. You could easily be led astray by her – she's cunning!"

Pei Xiao sighed. "In all my years, I've never met a woman more clever than she."

Have I really met her before?

Xie Zhifei mused inwardly and continued, "Regarding her identity and the Ji family's affairs, should we tell him the truth or...?"

This question made Pei Xiao's temples throb slightly.

"It seems we can't hide it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have arranged to meet tonight. Perhaps they'll start investigating as soon as we leave."

A peculiar glint flickered in Xie Zhifei's eyes.

Pei Xiao asked, "What? You want to help Yan Sanhe keep it a secret?"

Xie Zhifei was lost in thought for a moment. "I don't know why, but I somehow don't want him to know about these matters."

"Why is that?"

"Yan Sanhe is too clever!"

Pei Xiao was suddenly startled. "Are you afraid that she might...?"

"I'm not afraid of her. She's cold and distant by nature. We serve our respective masters and do their bidding. Even if she guesses our involvement, she wouldn't utter a single extra word."

Xie Zhifei sighed. "I just don't want to drag her into these power struggles. She's an innocent young woman."

"It would be easy not to involve her. Your Xie family could let her go, otherwise..."

Pei Xiao sneered. "Isn't that just a matter of time?"

Xie Zhifei's expression turned grim.

"Enough with these idle thoughts," Pei Xiao kicked him again. "Even if you want to release them, I won't agree until the matter with the Ji family is resolved."

As she spoke, Zhu Qing suddenly coughed. "My Lord, we've arrived at Clear Wind Dock."

Xie Zhifei responded, "Dock the boat, we're picking up a friend."

"Yes!"

The boat gently docked at the shore, where two figures were already waiting.

As the gangway was lowered, they stepped onto the boat one after the other.

Upon their arrival, Zhu Qing promptly pulled it back. In a matter of moments, the boat began to drift slowly along the Yongding River once more.

One of them wore a grayish-blue cloak. Instead of lingering outside the cabin, he went straight inside.

Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao followed him in.

Removing his cloak revealed a face radiant as jade. If Li Buyan were to witness this scene, she would undoubtedly give her young lady an approving thumbs-up and remark, "I knew it."

The visitor was none other than Zhao Yishi.

He smiled warmly at the pair and invited, "Have a seat!"

Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao accepted the invitation without hesitation, taking positions on his right and left, respectively.

Xie Zhifei crossed his legs nonchalantly. "Spill it, why did the Emperor send you here?"

Pei Xiao huffed. "If you can hide it from me, are you even human?"

Zhao Yishi: "…."

With his left hand extended, Xie Zhifei demanded, "Bring me that Pre-rain Longjing tea! Now!"

Pei Xiao shot back with his right hand extended. "And give me my decade-old Silkworm Drop Wine! Now!"

Zhao Yishi chuckled. "How did I end up with the two of you clowns?"

If Li Buyan were to witness this scene, he would surely frown, purse his lips, and remark, "Something's not right here. Since when do dogs dare to threaten their masters?"

"Shen Chong," Zhao Yishi called out. "Hurry up and fetch the items. If you don't, these two will devour me alive."

Upon hearing the call, the sturdy man entered, placed the items on the table, and was about to turn around when Xie Zhifei swiftly grabbed his hand.

"Today, your arrow brushed past that maiden's face. Were you trying to scare me to death?"

"I apologize, Third Master."

Shen Chong's expression shifted slightly. "It was truly unexpected—her agility was too swift. I had calculated the shot, but if only..."

"Enough, enough, enough..."

Third Master Xie disliked hearing Shen Chong discuss archery or martial arts; it gave him a headache. "Go and explain this to my Zhu Qing."

"Yes, sir!"

The moment Shen Chong left, the room fell into an eerie silence, and the air seemed to thicken.

Finding joy amidst adversity was fleeting.

All three men were well aware that the conversation to follow and the challenges they would confront would be no easy task.

After finishing half a cup of tepid tea, Zhao Yishi broke the silence.

"I am in charge of the search and seize operation at the Ji residence today, a privilege I earned after kneeling for two hours in the imperial study yesterday."

He smiled bitterly. "I didn't notify you because there wasn't enough time."

Xie Zhifei and Pei Xiao exchanged glances. The latter forced a smile. "Why did you have to do that? Your legs were already..."

"My father's refusal to speak up for the Ji family has already caused him to lose credibility. If I didn't come, it would only disappoint more people."

Zhao Yishi looked at Pei Xiao. "Moreover, the Ji family is not just anyone. Two hours means nothing; I should have knelt all night."

"Zhao Huiren!"

Pei Xiao felt his heart, cold for days, warm up rapidly.

The government was investigating Ji Lingchuan's corruption case. A few days ago, Xie Fifty had received some information. If Xie Fifty knew, then the crown prince and the Zhang family must have been aware too.

Two days had passed, yet there was no move from the crown prince or the Zhang family. It was clear that my uncle had been abandoned. To everyone's surprise, the grand prince heir stood up at this crucial moment.

Zhao Yishi patted his shoulder, as if speaking to him, but also to himself.

"I've witnessed and heard countless tales of families being razed to the ground, with broken drums beaten by thousands. I simply don't wish for someone like Zhang Fei to add his blow to the pile. It's unbearable, and I can't bear to see it happen."

Pei Xiao turned his face away, not wanting anyone to witness his emotional turmoil.

"Let's not dwell on that."

Zhao Yishi withdrew his hand and softly coughed. "Do you have any idea how much silver was found in the Ji family's possessions?"