Chapter 43: The Young Master Commits Murder

Chapter 43: The Young Master Commits Murder

The banquet hosted by Governor Yang Su was scheduled for dusk.

He owned a grand mansion with five courtyards in the capital city, and the guest garden he had specially constructed on the side was exquisitely beautiful. Pavilions, terraces, artificial mountains, flowing streams, and Taihu stones were all present. When lanterns were hung at the onset of night, the light gauze danced in the air, instantly creating an atmosphere that was both hazy and splendid, evoking yearning in the hearts of all.

Jiang Nan was renowned for its scenery, and in recent years, nocturnal excursions had become particularly fashionable. Yang Su's banquet this time could not be said to lack effort.

There were many guests in attendance, but most could only wander around the garden, drinking in small groups, unable to join the main table or see the face of the host, Yang Su. Despite this, those who received invitations and could enter were sufficiently thrilled, chatting about various pieces of news—some known to all, others known only to a select few.

Wen Ruan entered the garden as the first firework burst in the sky.

Today, his style was vastly different from usual, dressed in soft cloud satin that shimmered like mist and clouds, paired with refreshing and ethereal ramie gauze. A jade belt cinched his waist, adorned with a green jade ornament, and a golden crown sat atop his head, encrusted with oriental pearls. His appearance was both noble and handsome, with rosy lips, white teeth, and smiling eyes that curved gently. In the instant the firework exploded, it was as if countless stars fell into his eyes, making him incredibly beautiful.

He resembled a young man who had grown up amidst brocade and embroidery, unaware of the hardships of the mortal world, innocent and radiant.

To enter this banquet hall, obtaining an invitation wasn't difficult for Young Master Huo, who always had various means at his disposal. If persuasion didn't work, he would resort to force; it was just a trivial matter. Before leaving, he leaned close to Wen Ruan's ear, giving all sorts of instructions. Whether other tasks were accomplished or not didn't matter; what was crucial was his safety. He mustn't be too reckless!

Wen Ruan was not a naive young man who had grown up surrounded by luxury. However, having seen so much in the capital, gaining extensive experience, he found it impossible to even feign humility. Upon entering, he began to put on a show.

He furrowed his brows and casually pointed at the flying flower lanterns hanging at each pavilion corner: "What are those?"

Nanxing respectfully replied, "Young Master, they are a special type of lantern, delicate yet fragile, but extremely beautiful. They are very popular among women and children."

"Buy two carts to take back."

After Wen Ruan spoke, he noticed another item that seemed to be favored by the guests here. At least five out of ten would wear the white bracelet on their hands: "What is that? White but not lustrous, resembling jade but not quite, lacking in weight."

Nanxing: "Young Master, those are White Jade Bodhi beads, not particularly valuable, so there's no fear of damage. Generally, wealthy households can purchase them without stress. Paired with different colored beads or strings, they can complement clothing and enhance one's demeanor."

Wen Ruan: "Buy two carriages worth to reward the servants."

A few steps forward, he spotted something new, and Wen Ruan asked again, "What is that?"

Nanxing: "My young master, it seems to be a type of heart-softened agate, with the colors sealed inside the bead, appearing hazy on the surface but truly translucent. However, an agate is just an agate, not considered a valuable item, merely a novelty to behold."

Wen Ruan pondered, "Green..."

The people around had already noticed this young master, wondering if he was going to buy two carriages worth again, only to hear the young master say, "Don't get the green ones. Buy two carriages worth of the others, I'll go back and play marbles with them."

Everyone: ...

Who is this, what kind of person dares to flaunt their wealth in the prosperous Jiang Nan? He...is indeed rather good-looking, and his attire...is undeniably opulent. His presence isn't overly intimidating, but he's somewhat impolite. Where did this profligate son come from?

The profligate Wen Ruan has already intervened in the squabble between the two young masters.

"...These are all things that Your Young Master here has played with before. How can they still be fighting over them? Go, give each of them two hundred taels, tell them to go to the Cloudy Smoke Pavilion and play with the ladies there, broaden their horizons, and don't make a spectacle of themselves here."

Everyone: ...

Where did this little wastrel come from, so audaciously throwing his weight around, even sprinkling money on the spot! Four hundred taels at one go! Although Jiang Nan is wealthy, it's not as if they don't value money... That manservant actually gave it to them, and those two disgraceful young masters really took it, turning around to go out and truly seek the company of the ladies in the building!

Why do you give your money to such trash? Give it to me; I also want to find a lady in the building to play with...

On the loft above, high enough to overlook the entire courtyard, Lan Tian was somewhat hesitant to recognize: "Master, that person below... is Young Master?"

Zhu Yan gave a slight nod, the teacup in his hand unmoved for a long while: "He's actually not a wastrel."

Of course, these words didn't mean he couldn't see what Wen Ruan was pretending to be. It was more a regret over why all of this had to be an act, rather than reality.

Though Young Master's current appearance is indeed captivating and dazzling, what's so good about being a spoiled young master that it wins the Master's affection?

Still, Lan Tian has to admit, even when Young Master spends money extravagantly, he looks pleasing to the eye. Honestly, he doesn't seem much like a spoiled young master; he's too pure and clean, mischievously obedient in his defiance. No matter how unreasonable he acts, there's an endearing quality to him... So this is what the Master likes?

From fifty paces away, Cang Ang also recognized him.

The head of the Canal Gang, a man known as Master Ang in the martial world, was in his late twenties, completely unlike other men on the cusp of their thirties. He had a robust physique, with strength coiled in his waist and legs, exuding an imposing presence. A scar from a blade adorned the corner of his eyebrow, his testosterone levels off the charts, making him resemble the leader of the Black Channel Gang. And yet, despite being in his prime, once you meet his eyes, you realize there's something different. His gaze is inwardly focused, concealing all his killing intent, sharpness, scheming, and political acumen deep within his irises. Outsiders find it hard to discern even a hint of his emotions, unable to guess what he might be thinking. But one thing is certain: this man is not someone to trifle with.

This man, who is not to be trifled with, upon seeing Wen Ruan, his eyes softened for a moment, and the corners of his lips seemed to curl up gently.

A Qi, the constant attendant, recognized him as well: "Boss, shall we go over and greet him?"

Cang Ang narrowed his eyes: "It's inauspicious today, keep a distance, don't drag him into trouble."

"I'll pay my respects quietly later... Damn," A Qi tried to block the view but failed, "Boss, Young Master has seen you!"

"It's fine." Cang Ang didn't move forward, nor did he look at Wen Ruan again, instead turning towards another direction and leaving.

Wen Ruan was greatly disappointed, having no choice but to stop his steps from moving closer.

He was now a brash young man from out of town, arrogant and a dandy, naturally not someone to be pursued or introduced to Master Ang.

Continuing to put on airs, he raised his chin high, imitating the most familiar and lethal gaze of his fiancé, the Sixth Prince: "Where is your Magistrate Yang? Why isn't he coming out to greet me? I am a young master from the capital, with close ties to princes both inside and outside the palace. How can an ordinary person compare to me? Can a mere local governor bear the responsibility if the hospitality falls short?"

The reason for this performance had three objectives.

Firstly, the money Young Master Huo had previously thrown around proved useful. The Canal Gang brothers were also efficient, having already uncovered some traces. That Feng Guzi indeed appeared in the state capital, but her whereabouts remained mysterious, making it impossible to determine where she lived. However, it was known that she met with Yang Su. The specifics of their conversation were hard for outsiders to fully grasp, but one detail leaked out: the two must have reached some agreement, with Feng Guzi promising to introduce Yang Su to her network. During their conversation, she vaguely mentioned a young master, saying he was highly capable and had good relations with the palace...

Everything was left vague and ambiguous, wasn't this just empty talk? Wen Ruan had never met Feng Guzi and had no connection with her. This young master could not be referring to him. It might imply someone like Fang Rui, a young master who would seem relevant if you inquired about him, but you couldn't be sure who it was.

To Yang Su, an uncertain ally could also mean an opportunity.

Since it was uncertain, of course, he would borrow this person for his own use. Wen Ruan decided to pretend that he was this person, to see if he could turn the tables and find out Feng Guzi's whereabouts.

Secondly, since he had disguised himself as a naive and dissolute young master, his actions and style naturally had to align with this persona. He had to make the most of every situation. For instance, just now, he didn't merely throw money around; while doing so, he also tried to move in different directions, giving Nanxing the chance to quickly investigate their surroundings—to understand where they could go, where they couldn't, and where security was particularly tight...

Yi Songxue, the Director of the Office of Regular Relief, was the good official Jiang Dalong spoke of, who had disappeared these past few days. He suspected that he had been captured by Yang Su, the Prefect.

The Director of the Office of Regular Relief was in charge of tea, salt, and financial matters. The next step up from this position was the Director of Transportation, also known as the Canal Commissioner, who oversaw canal grain shipments. The position of Director of Transportation in Sizhou had been vacant for two years, during which time Yang Su had taken over its management. One could only imagine how much wealth he had amassed. Yi Songxue's appointment was not good news for him. Yi Songxue had served in various places outside Sizhou, always performing well in his duties. From a minor county magistrate, he had risen to become the Director of the Office of Regular Relief in the prosperous region of Jiang Nan. His future prospects were bright, and he was incorruptible and upright, making him difficult to manipulate. He was also skilled in his methods. In just one year, he had already clashed with Yang Su on numerous occasions. The longer he stayed here, the more he learned, leaving Yang Su unable to rest easy. This ultimate confrontation was inevitable.

Since he was making this trip anyway, he might as well gather some information. If he discovered anything, finding a way to rescue them would be a good deed for the country and its people.

Finally, there was the Donglian Holy Mother, the Empress' sect.

Yang Su clearly had ties with this organization. In the past, his treatment of the Canal Gang wasn't necessarily fair, but at least when he took their silver, he would provide some convenience. The extent of his cooperation depended on how much silver was given. But in the last two years, it seemed that his influence was waning, and he was more willing to loosen his grip on the Empress' sect.

Today's banquet, which Yang Su had prepared long ago, was aimed at Cang Ang. Although Wen Ruan trusted Cang Ang's abilities, what if something went wrong? Since he was here, he wouldn't let Cang Ang fall into a trap. If he could learn more about the Empress' sect and ideally capture Feng Guzi, it would be even better.

His high-profile arrival didn't allow Yang Su to neglect him, so he came out to greet him: "What wind has blown the young master of the capital all the way here? My Yang family is truly honored..."

Wen Ruan snorted through his nose, acknowledging the greeting.

Yang Su was slightly overweight, with sharp eyes and a small mouth. The more enthusiastically he smiled, the more uncomfortable it made others feel. His face didn't relax, but he seemed unaware of it: "I wonder, young master, what is your honorable—"

"Presumptuous!" Nanxing stepped forward. "How dare you ask for my young master's name!"

Yang Su was a governor, a third-rank official. Although officials from other regions couldn't compare to those in the capital, he was by no means a minor official. This young master dared to be so arrogant; his family background must be extraordinary.

The onlookers whispered among themselves. Even so, it was still a breach of etiquette. This young master might have caused trouble for his family, being so naive and inexperienced. How could they let him out like this? Perhaps he was just playing around and had secretly run away from home?

Yang Su thought the same. He believed that no one would dare to impersonate nobility on his turf unless they were suicidal. If the young master didn't want to reveal his name, it was probably because he didn't want others to know he was here, fearing he might be taken back home.

Naivety was good; naivety was easier to manipulate. If this young master turned out to be a stroke of luck, treating him well could lead to benefits when he returned to the capital for his year-end report...

But to be safe, he needed to test the waters.

"You're right. Today, my Yang family is hosting a banquet, and our garden is open. Young masters and gentlemen are welcome to enjoy the night. With white hair as new and friendship at first sight, making friends doesn't require asking names. Young master, you've come at the perfect time. I've prepared a small feast in the flower hall today. Those who come are friends. Please, follow me!"

Yang Su was quite adept at saving face. After smoothing things over, he personally led the way, explaining various aspects of Jiang Nan's local customs to Wen Ruan along the way. Finally, he casually mentioned: "It's also a coincidence. A great joy has arrived at our doorstep. Later, we will welcome Prince Jian into the banquet. Since you're both from the capital, young master, please help me entertain him. It will save me from worrying about not serving him well and potentially facing punishment."

What Prince Jian? Where did this Prince Jian come from? When did another prince appear in the capital? Was he newly appointed? The second or third prince? But at this point in time, it was impossible for either of them to leave the capital...

Wen Ruan was momentarily startled, but he didn't show it on his face. Worried about revealing any unusual behavior, he casually threw something from his pocket: "Here, take this as a reward."

This was a gift Xiao Hou had given him. Fang Rui enjoyed visiting him and always brought gifts, filling boxes with items without caring whether they were expensive or cheap. As long as he liked them and found them appealing, he would share them with Wen Ruan. Among these gifts, there were inevitably some valuable items bestowed by the palace. Fang Rui himself didn't care about their value, allowing Wen Ruan to play with them as he pleased. In return, Wen Ruan would give his friend gifts he knew he would like.

This was a gold-plated exquisite ball, a decorative item suitable for young people to wear, regardless of gender. However, compared to its intrinsic value, what made it truly precious was its craftsmanship and the emblem imprinted on it, easily recognizable as a product of the imperial workshops.

Moreover, the item was new, the style was new, and the workmanship was new. It was clear that it had been made and bestowed this year.

Yang Su's expression changed instantly. His smile deepened, and his already bent waist became even more bowed as he led Wen Ruan towards the flower hall.

On the pavilion above, Zhu Yan took a sip of tea, his gaze relaxed: "He really couldn't bear to give away the gift I gave him to someone else."

Lan Tian: ...

What gift of yours? That cricket jar?

However, since their engagement, the prince had indeed sent many things to the young master's manor. Their value was so significant that any single piece could make this gold-plated exquisite ball seem insignificant. Perhaps the young master didn't want to cheapen Yang Su by giving him such an item?

But more importantly—

"The momentum the prince created for the young master before leaving the capital has proven effective."

Wen Ruan's sudden departure from the capital without any arrangements led Zhu Yan to suspect his intentions. He helped by spreading ambiguous rumors and building up the young master's reputation for traveling. The original intention was to ensure that if Wen Ruan encountered any unexpected situations, he could quickly respond without arousing suspicion. Unexpectedly, it ended up paving the way for Wen Ruan perfectly.

Regardless of how Yang Su acted, he was still a third-rank official with his own channels of information. Wen Ruan's deception carried considerable risk, but if Yang Su had heard similar rumors beforehand... he wouldn't dare act rashly.

Lan Tian believed that his master deserved credit for this. It was far more important for the young master to know than for him to be happy in the corner that his gift hadn't been discarded.

Yang Su was a corrupt official, and corrupt officials knew how to recognize valuable items. After putting away the gold-plated exquisite ball and taking another look at Wen Ruan's clothes, he immediately ordered the dishes to be served and called for someone to accompany the guests.

Who did he call? It was quite coincidental. He called Cang Ang.

Wen Ruan: ...

Cang Ang: ...

Wen Ruan blinked, then looked at Yang Su in feigned surprise: "This is—"

"Allow me to introduce the young master to this gentleman. He is the leader of the Canal Gang, Cang Ang. Outsiders may not understand and refer to him as Master Ang. Since the young master comes from the capital, why not let Cang Ang arrange a boat for your return journey? Their gang's boats are the most stable and fastest, ensuring no delays," Yang Su said, then turned to Cang Ang, his tone less enthusiastic, veiled with warning, "This is the young master from the capital. You're lucky to have met him today. Come and pay your respects."

Of course, he had ulterior motives.

Firstly, the young master was young and inexperienced, unfamiliar with the intricacies between officials, merchants, and the Canal Gang. He wouldn't see the gangsters as allies but would certainly be curious about the world of the rivers and lakes. If he was willing to dine together and follow Yang Su's arrangements upon returning to the capital... wouldn't this connection be secured?

Secondly, Cang Ang was too proud. Despite being a mere thug in the world of rivers and lakes, risking his life for money, he had so many principles and rules, more backbone than Yang Su himself. Wouldn't it be fitting to humble his pride?

You can defy me, fine, but try defying someone from the capital. Dare you? If you kneel this time, what reason do you have not to kneel next time? Can a bent waist ever straighten again?

He wanted to humiliate Cang Ang.

Cang Ang usually kept his emotions hidden, making it hard to read his feelings. But this time, he bowed! Indeed, he paid his respects to the young master!

"I am Cang Ang. Greetings, young master. Has your journey been smooth and enjoyable?"

Indeed, he knew how to read the situation. Did he previously think that the governor wasn't worth his attention?

Yang Su narrowed his eyes.

Wen Ruan: "If Master Ang could take me to experience the waters, I would find it even more enjoyable."

Cang Ang: "The waterways are dangerous. It would be best for the young master to only observe from a safe distance."

Wen Ruan: "Dangerous or not, with you, Master Ang, isn't it no longer dangerous?"

Indeed, the young master was inexperienced.

Yang Su clapped his hands: "Come, what are you all waiting for? Bring the wine! Play some music!"

Wen Ruan thus witnessed the ostentatious display of a corrupt official.

Countless musicians and dancers, each one as beautiful as a flower, exuding myriad charms. What was even more remarkable was that almost all of them were of similar height and build. When the girls moved in unison, at the same rhythm, the beauty and charm doubled, making it nearly impossible to look away.

Holding a wine cup, Wen Ruan swayed gently to the melody, his eyes half-closed, a handsome smile forming on his lips. "Director Yang knows how to indulge."

Yang Su: "Young Master, what do you think of this tune?"

How would Wen Ruan know? This life's greatest headache was music theory. He knew nothing about tunes or dances, so he chose a direction to critique. "This pipa doesn't sound good. Although the technique is not bad, there's no discordant note, but there's no emotion. Especially with these string plucking techniques, the lack of aesthetic in the finger movements can be forgiven, but a pipa without emotional investment, where one cannot hear the narrative, cannot convey emotions through the scene, cannot evoke a sense of longing, and cannot bring tears to the eyes... Can this still be called a pipa tune?"

On the upper floor, Zhu Yan's lips curved slightly.

Lan Tian: "Young Master... so knowledgeable about the pipa?"

"He doesn't understand, he just heard my pipa tune—"

Zhu Yan looked down at the young master amidst the floral splendor. "Naturally, all pipa tunes in the world pale in comparison."

Yang Su was deeply impressed. Indeed, a young master raised in luxury had such a profound understanding of music theory, able to find fault with such an excellent tune!

Wen Ruan lazily said, "I came here to play because I heard Director Yang has some good stuff, and this is it?"

Yang Su smiled with hidden meaning. "Young Master speaking like this, Master Cang might be unhappy."

Wen Ruan could tell that this dog still had doubts about him and was looking for an opportunity to test him. "Oh? Why?"

"This pipa player is here for Chief Cang," Yang Su's gaze swept over Cang Ang, a smile that wasn't quite a smile. "Don't underestimate Chief Cang who's nearing his thirties; unmarried, countless women... and men admire him. I've even heard of a scandalous affair..."

Wen Ruan clicked his tongue and looked at Cang Ang. "Master Ang's taste needs improvement."

Cang Ang seemed displeased. "What Director Yang said isn't wrong, but I have my standards for choosing a wife. I wouldn't dare delay others."

Wen Ruan: "Oh?"

Cang Ang spoke slowly and deliberately. "I have a younger brother at home who has certain requirements for my future sister-in-law. He says I eat roughly and work roughly, worrying I'll starve to death. He says my sister-in-law must at least be skilled in cooking, able to manage me, before we can consider marriage."

Wen Ruan: ...

Yang Su: "Isn't that asking for a tigress? How many people in the world aren't afraid of Chief Cang?"

Just that murderous face and overly robust physique, who would dare to manage him?

On the upper floor, Lan Tian said, "Yang Su is making things difficult for Young Master."

Zhu Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of anger. "Clearly."

He had come hastily and couldn't guess how Ah Ruan would proceed with his plans here, but it was evident that he knew this person named Cang Ang well. In those lost memories, there were many things he didn't know.

"The people around Master Ang aren't good enough," Wen Ruan teased Cang Ang. "If you don't like them, how can they follow you here? Where did they get their information? I wouldn't have such people around me; if I did, I'd kill them."

He felt he guessed what Cang Ang wanted to do.

Indeed, Cang Ang's expression darkened as he slowly turned around and looked at the person behind him. "Who leaked the information?"

Wen Ruan immediately noticed someone with an odd expression. "Nanxing—"

Nanxing immediately went over and dragged the person out. "It's you, selling your master's secrets?"

"No, no, no, it wasn't me, I didn't..."

The person's eyes trembled in fear, but subconsciously, he glanced at Yang Su.

Nanxing's blade was already at the person's neck, a thin line of blood seeping out.

The person fell to his knees. "It wasn't me, spare me, Master Ang... I'm your man, how can you let others bully me like this?"

Cang Ang remained expressionless. "This guest is from the government office, a young master from the capital. What can I do?"

The person struggled, but Nanxing's blade didn't move; he bled himself by bumping into it. His teeth ground together. "I've been loyal to you, and this is how you treat me?"

Cang Ang appeared helpless.

The person suddenly sneered. "You knew all along, didn't you? That cargo was lost because of me! You don't like me, you don't want to rely on me, instead relying on brothers with less merit than me. I won't follow you anymore, what's wrong with that! You deserve to lose that shipload of grain, you won't have a good end! Just a lowly bastard born on a ship, thinking you're—"

Wen Ruan raised his hand, and Nanxing's blade fell. The person collapsed to the ground, twitched twice, and died.

"Sorry, my hand was too quick," Wen Ruan smiled, nodding first at Yang Su before looking back at Cang Ang. "I hate traitors the most. My temper is also hasty, so I directly helped Master Ang solve the problem. Master Ang won't blame me, will you?"

He disliked killing, but he wasn't incapable of it.

Having been transported here for too long, he had long discarded his initial innocence. If he didn't learn to adapt to the rules, he would have died long ago.