Chapter 181: Trick

Chapter 181: The Hidden Agenda

It's not difficult; I don't need to ask you, Yan Sanhe.

"Think of a way."

Xie Zhifei leaned forward, his gaze fixed on her face. "Consider it a favor I owe you."

Yan Sanhe raised an eyebrow. "Does Third Master keep his word?"

Xie Zhifei looked at her quietly for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. "What do you think?"

This bastard is using his charm!

A tingling sensation ran through Yan Sanhe's heart.

She stood up abruptly and paced around the room, trying to steady her breathing before saying, "I will hold you to this favor."

"As long as it's not murder or arson, and doesn't go against my conscience, I'll agree."

That's what you said!

Yan Sanhe sneered inwardly but spoke decisively.

"The matriarch's demon is a dog, which is related to Wu Guanyue. Wu Guanyue is involved in the Zheng family case, and the person who resolved the matriarch's demon is Ji Lingchuan."

Xie Zhifei rested his chin on his hand, looking at her and blinking once. "The connections are correct."

"The matriarch and Wu Guanyue were childhood sweethearts. She found out that Wu Guanyue was responsible for the Zheng family case. She fears that the court might discover their connection. She worries that one day, the fugitive Wu Guanyue might come seeking refuge, affecting her son's career and the prosperity of the Ji family, thus she lives in constant fear, letting her obsession grow into a demon."

Yan Sanhe sat back down, lifting her chin. "Third Master, how does this excuse sound?"

Absolutely brilliant!

It has both cause and effect, making perfect sense, seamlessly woven together!

Xie Zhifei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yan Sanhe, I really want to praise you, but I'm afraid you'll get too proud."

Is that so?

Yan Sanhe tapped her fingers on the table. "Instead of praising me, Third Master, why don't you think about how to make Ji Lingchuan keep quiet."

"No need to worry."

Xie Zhifei picked up his teacup. "He's been in the government for years and understands the gravity of this matter. A simple reminder from me, and he'll take this secret to his grave."

What I need to think about is something else.

Xie Zhifei took a sip of tea.

How to get Yan Sanhe involved in investigating the Zheng family case with me.

...

At Xie Mansion.

"Sir, sir!"

The steward rushed into the study, calling out desperately. "The eldest master is back, Third Master is back, and Miss Yan is back!"

Xie Daozhi was overjoyed. "Where are they?"

"They just arrived at the entrance of the lane, and I came to report to you first."

"What about the Ji family?"

The steward whispered a few words into Xie Daozhi's ear, and he let out a long sigh of relief. "Quickly, prepare hot water and food."

"The eldest master said we'll have dinner tonight at Shien Hall and introduce Miss Yan to everyone."

"She agreed?"

"The eldest master wouldn't lie."

"Then hurry and tell the matriarch this good news!"

"Yes, yes, yes."

"Wait!"

Xie Daozhi called him back. "Tell the kitchen to prepare a more lavish meal, with dishes that Third Master and Miss Yan love."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"Come back!"

"What else does the sir need?"

Xie Daozhi walked back and forth excitedly, muttering, "Invite everyone, don't leave anyone out."

The steward understood. "Yes, invite everyone, everyone!"

...

The carriage stopped at the gate of Xie Mansion.

Yan Sanhe habitually looked up at the plaque, feeling a sense of being in a different world.

"Miss Yan has returned. You must be tired."

Steward Xie smiled so widely that his eyes disappeared, his tone even more affectionate than when he saw his own mother. "Hot water has already been prepared for you, Miss..."

"Shut up!"

Although it felt like a lifetime had passed, Yan Sanhe still remembered that this fatso had asked Tangyuan to gather information about her.

Steward Xie was dumbfounded.

Weren't we supposed to get acquainted? Why does this ancestor still look so distant?

After the two ladies walked past him, Steward Xie turned to Third Master behind him and pouted bitterly.

Third Master Xie ignored him and went after Yan Sanhe.

Steward Xie: "..."

Three months without seeing each other, and he doesn't even glance at me?

Has Little Flower fallen out of favor?

Xie Zhifei caught up with Yan Sanhe. "You haven't been to Shicken Hall before. I'll take you there later to avoid any mistakes."

Later?

For some reason, Yan Sanhe was sensitive to the lewd words he had said to Cai Si. "No need. Tangyuan knows the way."

Third Master Xie wasn't someone who could be dismissed with just a "no need."

"Tangyuan can only guard outside; she can't go in. Everyone is here today, let me introduce you around."

"My brother will introduce me!"

"My brother said he's leaving it to me."

Third Master Xie turned his head. "Brother, right?"

Xie Erli wouldn't refuse his brother's face. He nodded calmly. "Miss Yan, please forgive me, but I have some official business to attend to and will arrive a bit late."

Hmm!

You're busier than someone who's been away for three months!

Yan Sanhe nodded, not exposing the brothers' trickery.

Li Buyan followed Yan Sanhe obediently. When they reached an empty spot, he quickened his pace. "Are you planning something with Third Master?"

Given Yan Sanhe's personality, no one could force her if she didn't want to. Yet, she still agreed...

Something fishy is going on!

"Murder cases are major incidents. Whether in Imperial City or elsewhere, they are all recorded."

Yan Sanhe replied, "He's from the Five Cities Military Commission and seems to know people in the Ministry of Justice, Jinyiwei, and North Division. I want to use his connections to investigate."

Otherwise, why would she bother thinking up excuses for him?

Li Buyan nodded. "You're right to approach him, but we need to think carefully about how to do it without raising his suspicions. Third Master's curiosity is immense!"

"No rush."

Yan Sanhe gently leaned her head on Li Buyan's shoulder.

"We still have time to think since I haven't sensed the next demon yet!"

...

In the study.

Xie Daozhi looked at the emaciated Third Master with red eyes, filled with concern.

Xie Erli said, "Father, don't worry. I've already instructed the kitchen to prepare special meals for Third Brother, and the accountants have been arranged as well."

He turned his head. "Third Brother, is two thousand taels enough?"

"Not enough!"

Xie Zhifei lied calmly. "I was also robbed on the road and lost over eight hundred taels. Mingting and I could only eat once a day and were almost starving."

"Tell the accountants to add another thousand taels."

Xie Daozhi took out a banknote from his drawer. "Eat whatever you want. Don't save."

Xie Zhifei didn't hesitate to put it in his pocket.

"Father, Elder Brother, the story of Old Lady Ji's demon is long. I still need to greet the matriarch and Mother, so I'll make it brief."

Even with a brief explanation, Xie Zhifei still took a full cup of tea to finish.

After he finished, the atmosphere in the study became heavy, just as Xie Zhifei had anticipated.

Xie Daozhi remained silent for a while before saying, "Since the old lady's demon has been resolved, let's put this matter aside, especially regarding Wu Guanyue and the old lady's relationship. Don't mention a word about it outside."

"Third Brother!"

Xie Erli immediately added, "Remind Mingting to be careful with his words."

The words I was waiting for were exactly those.

When Old Third Xie saw that they had not the slightest suspicion, his heart suddenly relaxed.