Chapter 52

Chapter 52

The whole Luoyuefang district is owned by the Liu family, and the Ghost Market is also managed by them. As Xie Yiguan mentioned, the Liu family alone would not dare to operate a Ghost Market under the emperor's nose. Naturally, there is the influence of prestigious families and guards behind it.

In fact, the Lu family is the real power behind it.

The current scale of the Ghost Market was established by Lu Zhenghan in his youth. The Lu family takes a commission from the transactions in the Ghost Market and sells goods that can't be sold openly there.

After all, the Lu family is a prestigious family, and Lu Zhenghan is a man who values his reputation. Therefore, he partnered with the wealthy merchant Liu family, putting them in the spotlight.

When the Liu family was passed down to Liu Wushi, although he was young, he showed early talent in business. Under his leadership, the Liu family flourished, with too many profitable ventures, making the Ghost Market seem insignificant—not very profitable and troublesome.

However, the Liu family can't risk offending the Lu family. As long as the Lu family is unwilling to give up the Ghost Market, the Liu family has to take the fall.

Now, the Liu family's management of the Ghost Market has grown lax, only stationing guards at the gates and organizing patrols to maintain internal order. Liu Wushi's requirements are not high; as long as it doesn't cause him any trouble, he's fine with it.

The reason Liu Wushi is here tonight is because Guo Laidong came to tell him that there was trouble in the Ghost Market.

The Lu family's assassins had been keeping an eye on Yu Chiyi for a while.

Since Yu Chiyi killed Lu Zhenghan's thousand assassins, Lu Zhenghan has been sending people to watch around the Yu Chi family's residence. As soon as the Yu Chi family's carriage left the residence, Lu Zhenghan knew about it. Hearing that Yu Chiyi had taken people into the Ghost Market, Lu Zhenghan hesitated for a moment before deciding to send assassins to kill Yu Chiyi. He sneered, thinking the Ghost Market was a lawless place, and Yu Chiyi has had a notorious reputation since childhood. It would be normal for him to get into a fight and be killed in the Ghost Market—

If it takes the price of a Ghost Market to take Yu Chiyi's life, Lu Zhenghan thinks it's worth it.

Lu Zhenghan has even thought about how to deal with the emperor's inquiry after successfully assassinating Yu Chiyi—just place all the blame on the Liu family, after all, the Liu family is the one officially responsible for the Ghost Market.

When these twenty Lu family assassins entered the Ghost Market, although they presented the Lu family's pass, the guards at the gate still felt something was wrong and hurried to report to Guo Laidong.

As soon as Guo Laidong heard, he had a bad feeling that something was about to go down and quickly informed Liu Wushi.

When Liu Wushi arrived at the Ghost Market with Guo Laidong, Yu Chiyi and the assassins were already locked in a deadly fight, with swords flashing and blood flying everywhere. The only thing he could clearly see was that Yu Chiyi was holding someone in his arms, and that person's figure looked very much like Su Yu.

He clenched his jaw, telling himself that he must be mistaken—Su Yu couldn't possibly be in the Ghost Market...

Guo Laidong stood beside Liu Wushi. Although he couldn't see the people in the distance clearly, he knew Yu Chiyi's skills all too well! He could recognize that figure even if it turned to ashes—it was the guy who had robbed him twice!

"It's him! It's him!" Guo Laidong shouted excitedly, "Young master, that man is Yu Chiyi!"

Guo Laidong gritted his teeth, wishing he could join the assassins and take a swing at Yu Chiyi. But seeing Yu Chiyi holding such a large person and still killing one assassin after another with ease, he fell silent. Licking his teeth, he concluded that he'd only last one strike against Yu Chiyi...

He gritted his teeth even more in hatred!

"Young master?" Not hearing Liu Wushi's response, Guo Laidong turned his head and saw that Liu Wushi actually wanted to step forward. He was startled and quickly pulled Liu Wushi back, "Blades don't discriminate! Young master, you must not go closer!"

It was too dangerous to get closer at this moment. What if Yu Chiyi mistakenly killed him!

"It's too dark here, I can't see clearly. Let's get a little closer..." Liu Wushi found a reason, "So many people have died, after all, the Liu family has to step forward."

At a distance of three zhang from Yu Chiyi, Guo Laidong cautiously stopped Liu Wushi. The closer they got, the more he was intimidated by Yu Chiyi's skills. He secretly felt relieved that during those two encounters, Yu Chiyi had only robbed him. If Yu Chiyi had really wanted to kill, Guo Laidong would already be on his way to reincarnation!

The closer they got, the clearer Liu Wushi saw.

That slender and tall figure was leaning in Yu Chiyi's arms, with both hands around Yu Chiyi's neck, intimate and completely dependent.

"Young master?" Guo Laidong looked at Liu Wushi, startled by his ugly expression. Could it be that he was spooked by the bodies on the ground...

But no, Liu Wushi has been leading merchant caravans since he was fourteen, often encountering bandits on the road and experiencing life-and-death situations. How could he be scared by a few corpses?

Liu Wushi gritted his teeth and asked, "Are you sure it's Yu Chiyi?"

Guo Laidong nodded firmly, "Absolutely him! I once fought against the Left Imperial Guard General. Although General Xiao is strong, he would probably only last a few dozen moves against this man. Apart from Yu Chiyi, I can't think of anyone else with such skill."

Liu Wushi's gaze remained fixed on Yu Chiyi, or rather, the person in Yu Chiyi's arms.

He saw Yu Chiyi help the person down, and she turned around, smiling brightly in his direction—

But that smile was surely not meant for him.

Even though Su Yu was in disguise, Liu Wushi was certain it was her. Who else could have such a captivating smile but Su Yu?!

"Why is she so close to Yu Chiyi..." Liu Wushi muttered to himself, then he felt a sudden surge of anger.

"Who is close to Yu Chiyi?" Guo Laidong was somewhat confused. His master's emotions were shifting too strangely—one moment as if he had lost someone dear, the next as if his wife had run off with someone. "Master, Yu Chiyi and his group are heading our way!"

Su Yu saw Liu Wushi and actually walked towards them.

"What do you mean, Yu Chiyi's people?" Liu Wushi found the words irritating. "Can't you see who she is?"

Guo Laidong was bewildered, "I’ve never met this person before."

He glanced at Su Yu a couple more times, confirming that he had never seen this man with scars on his face before.

Liu Wushi: "..."

As Su Yu drew closer, he suddenly turned around and said to Guo Laidong, "Let's go! We must not meet her."

Guo Laidong: "?"

Seeing Liu Wushi about to leave, Su Yu lifted the hem of her robe and ran forward, grabbing the hem of Liu Wushi's robe, "Buyi—"

Liu Wushi froze instantly.

He sighed in resignation. Although this was an unregulated area, with so many lives lost and the dead all carrying the Lu family's insignia, the Capital Prefect would surely investigate. As long as he had not seen Su Yu or Yu Chiyi, he could claim ignorance when questioned by the authorities. At most, the ghost market would be shut down, and the Liu family would have to spend some money to settle the matter.

So he wanted to avoid meeting Su Yu, but he hadn't expected her to unexpectedly approach him.

But now that she had grabbed the hem of his robe, he couldn't leave and had to turn around to face her.

Guo Laidong, hearing Su Yu's voice, was momentarily stunned and finally remembered who she was. He looked at Liu Wushi, hesitating to speak.

Liu Wushi's face turned cold, and he said stiffly, "I don't know you."

Su Yu chuckled softly, "Buyi, don't you recognize me? But it doesn't matter. I heard the ghost market is managed by the Liu family. Is that true?"

Her gaze was innocent, as if she truly regarded him as a friend.

Liu Wushi averted his eyes but couldn't help glancing at her peach-blossom eyes from the corner of his vision, he said indifferently, "It's none of your concern."

Su Yu's peach-blossom eyes glistened in the dim light, and Liu Wushi felt his heart soften slightly. His hand twitched, but Su Yu let go of his robe and said to him, "Then I'll have my elder brother speak with you."

She turned to return to Yu Chiyi's side.

Without hesitation, Liu Wushi grabbed her hand. Su Yu looked back at him, and Liu Wushi quickly let go of her, stepping back as if burned.

Su Yu: "..."

Guo Laidong covered his eyes, embarrassed by the scene.

Liu Wushi asked stiffly, "And who is your elder brother?"

"It's me," Yu Chiyi had already stepped forward, but he was still holding a blood-stained scimitar in his hand, paired with his bushy beard, he looked truly terrifying.

Liu Wushi's brows furrowed heavily.

Xie Yiguan followed shortly after and said helplessly to Yu Chiyi, "Elder brother, please put away the knife first."

Then he turned to Liu Wushi and said, "Mr. Liu, it's too noisy here, let's find a quieter place to talk."

Liu Wushi narrowed his eyes, recognized Xie Yiguan, and realized he couldn't pretend ignorance any longer. He nodded and instructed Guo Laidong, "Go find some people to move these bodies away first."

Yu Chiyi smiled, "No need, my men will handle it."

He had Yu Chiyou take the captured assassin back and bring his guards to handle the bodies, as they were more experienced in such matters, and with so many deaths, it wasn't suitable to leave it to the Liu family to handle.

Liu Wushi and Guo Laidong remembered some unpleasant events and fell silent.

After a while, Liu Wushi finally said with a cold face, "Follow me."

Liu Wushi had reserved a courtyard for himself at Luoyuefang, right at the entrance of the ghost market, and he led the group to his courtyard.

Yu Chiyi spoke first, "Sorry, starting tomorrow, the ghost market will have to close. But don't worry about the deaths, Mr. Liu, we will handle it ourselves and it will not affect the Liu family."

Despite his words, Liu Wushi's gaze remained unfriendly.

Yu Chiyi sheepishly touched his nose, after all, he had robbed the man twice and now had ruined his business, it was no wonder Liu Wushi looked at him that way, "Or perhaps you should speak, second brother?"

Xie Yiguan smiled and said, "Mr. Liu is a sensible man; I need not remind you of other matters."

Liu Wushi caught the underlying meaning in Xie Yiguan's words, which was to keep their secrets. He sneered a few times, but when he saw Su Yu standing behind them, his expression softened, "You can leave."

As Xie Yiguan was about to leave, Su Yu, standing behind him, tugged at his sleeve.

Xie Yiguan turned his head, exchanged a glance with Su Yu, and suddenly remembered that the emperor still wanted to purchase saltpeter and sulfur, but was interrupted by the assassins, so Su Yu still wanted to proceed?

Su Yu nodded at him, confirming his thoughts.

Xie Yiguan helplessly smiled, "I'm afraid there's one more thing to bother Mr. Liu, I still need two things."

Liu Wushi: "?"

Xie Yiguan continued to smile, "I need saltpeter and sulfur, but these items can't be traded openly, and with the incident at the ghost market today, I can only entrust this matter to Mr. Liu here."

Liu Wushi: "..." He had thought Xie Yiguan was an upright gentleman, but he was mistaken!

But then again, if Xie Yiguan were truly an upright gentleman, how could he bring Su Yu to the ghost market late at night?

His gaze at Xie Yiguan was accusatory.

Xie Yiguan's smile remained unaffected. He turned to look at Su Yu, who nodded at him, then he turned back to Liu Wushi and said, "My third brother wants to speak with you, is that convenient?"

Liu Wushi nodded stiffly, "Sure."

Su Yu smiled at Xie Yiguan and Yu Chiyi, "Elder brother, second brother, wait for me outside, I'll just say a few words to Mr. Liu."

Xie Yiguan had no objections, though Yu Chiyi hesitated, after all, the emperor and he were partners in crime, what if Liu Wushi found out Su Yu's true identity...

Su Yu reassured Yu Chiyi, "Don't worry, elder brother; Mr. Liu is my friend."

Yu Chiyi looked at Liu Wushi with some astonishment, his eyes suddenly filled with a hint of sympathy. He must be unaware of Su Yu's true identity. Perhaps the emperor is trying to deceive him again...

He coughed twice and said, "I'll be right outside. If anything happens, just call for me."

In case Liu Wushi tried to harm Su Yu, he would be ready to rush in at any moment.

Su Yu waved her hand at him, indicating that she understood.

Their interaction was deeply unsettling to Liu Wushi. When only he and Su Yu were left in the room, his tone was still sharp: "What do you want to say to me?"

Su Yu said softly, "I thought Buyi and I were friends."

He turned his head away stubbornly, ignoring her.

Su Yu went on, "Now is not the time to talk, but I rarely get to see Buyi, so I still want to say a few words. Are you aware of the new imperial decree that allows the sons of merchants to take the imperial exams and serve as officials? Have you heard about it?"

Liu Wushi scoffed, "What does this have to do with me? I never had any intention of becoming an official."

Su Yu looked at him for a long time, sadness gradually filling her eyes. Finally, she lowered her head slowly and said, "Oh... I have nothing else to say. Goodbye, I’ll take my leave..."

She slowly turned around. Liu Wushi couldn't see her expression at that moment, but he felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness in her figure. His heart also felt empty, and he instinctively grabbed her hand, unable to stop himself from asking, "Do you consider someone a friend after just a few meetings? You..."

He wanted to ask what her relationship was with Cui Xuan and Yu Chiyi, but he couldn’t muster the courage to ask. Regardless of whether she had any relationship with them, asking such a question would only hurt her. Even though he had been speculating in his mind, he still held back.

Su Yu was momentarily stunned, then asked, "Buyi, do you think that after just a few meetings, I don't have genuine feelings for you?"

She felt a bit embarrassed and smiled shyly, "I said this, but don't be angry. You look so much like a friend of mine, so I felt an immediate bond with you. Bringing this up now doesn’t imply anything else; I just thought it might be good news for you. I didn't mean to upset you."

As she spoke, she gazed at him with a pitiful expression, "Buyi, don't be mad at me, okay?"

Her eyes, like peach blossoms, were misty, and her tone was so soft. Liu Wushi suddenly felt the room grow warm, and he himself was burning. He took a deep breath, attempting to steady his racing heart, and said, "I'm not mad at you."

"Then... can you let go of me?" Su Yu asked cautiously.

Liu Wushi froze, his neck slowly lowering, and sure enough, he saw his hand still holding Su Yu's hand—

Their hands had been intertwined the whole time.

His entire face and neck turned red, and he hastily released Su Yu’s hand. He covered his mouth, feigning a cough, but then he remembered that this hand had just held Su Yu's and was now on his lips...

"Buyi, why are you so flushed?" Su Yu asked with concern, even reaching out to touch his forehead.

Liu Wushi quickly stepped back, waving his hand, "It’s just the candlelight, not me!"

"Oh... then I'll leave now?" Su Yu asked.

Liu Wushi closed his eyes, after a moment of hesitation. When he slowly opened his eyes and saw Su Yu's smile, he finally spoke, "You’re new to the capital and unaware of its dangers. Whether it's Cui Xingjian or Yuchi Zhongyun, they are not trustworthy. You... shouldn't get too close to them..."

Su Yu smiled and said, "Buyi, don't worry, both of them are actually quite nice..."

She hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, looking directly into Liu Wushi's eyes, and said, "Buyi, I don't bother explaining the rumors to others, but you're different. You're my friend, and I want to tell you that my relationship with Premier Cui is not what the rumors say!"

She paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you believe me?"

Su Yu asked with such seriousness that Liu Wushi couldn't help but nod.

She exhaled in relief, waved at him, and left briskly.

Yu Chiyi, seeing that Su Yu hadn't come out for a long time, was about to rush in when the door opened before he could even knock.

Su Yu looked at him with a half-smile, and he whispered in her ear, "I was just worried that Liu Buyi might disrespect you."

"Don't worry, even if he knew my true identity, he wouldn’t dare lay a hand on me," Su Yu said with a confident smile.

Yu Chiyi nodded. Indeed, Liu Wushi wouldn't dare to actually hit the emperor.

When Guo Laidong entered the room, he saw his master standing there in a daze. After a while, Liu Wushi suddenly muttered to himself, "She treats me sincerely because I resemble Liu Jiuniang... Oh no, I must never let her find out that I deceived her!"