Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Lian Cheng's arms were already numb from the shock. He demanded, "Who are you? State your name!"

"Assistant Magistrate need not know my identity, only that I am the one who will take your life!" With that, he decisively drew his blade, its tip aimed straight for Lian Cheng's heart.

The young man, light on his feet, retreated step by step, dodging like a flying bird, and shouted loudly, "I have no grievance with you. Do you want silver? I can offer you several hundred taels!"

The burly man sneered, "Once I take your head to your home, I can exchange it for any amount of silver. Enough talk, boy—your life is mine!"

Wei Xiaoyu heard the bandit's roar and, crying out, began to run towards his master. Lian Cheng quickly shouted him back, "Ride my Dilu! Go to the yamen and bring people!"

"Do you think I'll let you summon help?" Seeing the man step lightly, about to chase and cut down Wei Xiaoyu, Lian Cheng hurriedly bent down, grabbed a handful of mud, and flung it into the opponent's face, blinding him. The man cursed, "You black-hearted brat! I underestimated you!"

Hearing this, Lian Cheng wished time could flow backward—better that the elder brother still underestimated the younger one!

But the burly man was now enraged. Wiping the mud off his face with his front cloth, he strode swiftly towards Lian Cheng, ready to strike.

Lian Cheng knew that tricks could not save him from a life-and-death struggle. He shed his official sash, tucked up his robe, drew his blade, and engaged the opponent.

They clashed: a swift blade sweeping up a hundred feet of willow fluff, a heavy axe chopping into acres of wheat seedlings. One man gritted his teeth, his hands burning like flames; the other handled his moves with ease, his techniques orderly. Silver lost its value, grass gained a chapter. The young and inexperienced, how could they withstand a formidable enemy? From ancient times, many a young hero has met a sudden death at the hands of a ruthless ghost.

Lian Cheng was now without his cap or crown, streaming with hot sweat. The big man chuckled with delight, "My master told me your name and said you were just a pampered young dandy. I thought you wouldn't last half a move."

Lian Cheng was using Zhang Ailian's childhood sword at Qiu Fang's place; his waist knife was far less handy than that weapon. But he couldn't have known that on his watch he would encounter such a skilled assassin. Were it not for his usual speed, he would have long been cut in two, his body split in half.

Lian Cheng thrust his blade into the mud and supported himself with both hands, "You bastard, you talk better than you fight! Say something else if you dare!" The more nonsense he talked, the more time he had to catch his breath.

The big man slung his blade over his shoulder and looked askance at the young gentleman, who had suffered a thousand hardships yet still maintained a dashing appearance. Thinking of his own child, who was about the same age, he decided to impart a few words of advice before killing him cleanly, "When you go down to see King Yan, remember to tell him—either let you be born into a commoner's family or a prince's or duke's household. That in-between status, neither here nor there, will make you either a cart or a horse."

"Why not tell me who wants me dead?" Lian Cheng sneered.

"I was paid," the big man said gruffly.

Lian Cheng, having rested, said, "I'm afraid you'll have the money but not the life to spend it."

The big man's anger flared again. He set aside his blade, drew his two axes, roared, and in three strides was before Lian Cheng, leaping up to strike down. Lian Cheng knew he couldn't face it head-on. He sidestepped and aimed his blade at the man's armpit.

Unexpectedly, the man spun nimbly, not only dodging Lian Cheng's sneak attack but also sweeping his leg, tripping Lian Cheng. Lian Cheng rolled all the way down the field ridge, tumbling and scrambling, crushing several rows of green wheat. Looking up, he saw the brute chasing him with his axe, ferocious and furious, shouting, "You little brat, you fight dishonorably!"

The hell with honor, Lian Cheng thought. All's fair in war. You're a killer, and you dare lecture me about honor? With that, Lian Cheng grabbed his knife, turned, and hugged the man's tree-trunk-like thigh, plunging his own and Lian Xiusheng's stiletto deep into the man's leg. A loud cry rang out as the big man kicked Lian Cheng flying.

Lian Cheng flew dozens of meters, rolling in the cold, muddy slurry and getting covered in sticky pollen. It was a match of equals, winning or losing had to be accepted.

But then, Lian Cheng began to feel unwell. He frowned and spat out a mouthful of bloody phlegm. The big man's kick had actually made him vomit blood—what terrifying strength!

Before Lian Cheng could get to his feet, the stabbing wound only made the big man even more furious. He clanged his axes together and strode toward him.

Another round of clanging combat ensued: one youthful and energetic, one bold and rough; one dodging and hiding, hard to guard against; the other strong enough to lift a tripod, very difficult to withstand.

Lian Cheng mostly used his hearing to locate his opponent—dodging at the sound of breaking air, swinging his blade at the sound of splashing mud. The big man nearly got wounded several times. He marveled inwardly at the boy's agility but cursed the master for incorrect intelligence, claiming the kill would be easy. Now they were locked in a protracted struggle, hard to separate. He decided to throw out a handful of poison and finish it quickly.

Just as the big man reached into his sleeve, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air, like a raptor's cry, drawing closer. He suddenly turned, and an arrow flew out from the forest. He tried to drag Lian Cheng as a shield, but Lian Cheng had already crawled into the wheat field, so the arrow struck him instead.

Lian Cheng, lying in the wheat field, saw the arrow pierce the man's shoulder, sending him flying. He heard the heavy thud of a body hitting the ground, and then nothing more.

But it wasn't over. A tall horse leaped out of the forest, its rider dressed in a crimson official robe with wide sleeves, a black gauze hat on his head—an air of a civil official—but his hand drew a bow like a full moon. Another arrow flew, hitting the man on the other shoulder. The once-fierce bandit, who had been about to shout for the ambusher to dismount and fight, was now reduced to panicked flight after two arrows.

Lian Xiusheng reined in his horse, pulled another arrow from his quiver, and shot again—another hit.

Wei Xiaoyu, sitting breathlessly on a horse behind, was about to say that the man seemed to have stopped running, but when he went to drag him over for questioning, before he could speak, Lian Xiusheng drew two more arrows, nocked them together, and shot—both hit their mark.

Only when his quiver was empty did Lian Xiusheng drop his bow, dismount, and follow the signs of battle to find his way into the wheat field.

Lian Cheng looked up at the black boots before him. Seeing Lian Xiusheng, he scrambled up, overjoyed, jumping up to hug him. "Xiusheng! You came just in time. One more moment, and I would have been chopped into mincemeat by that bandit!"

Lian Xiusheng felt his third brother's body for any wounds and, finding none, breathed a silent sigh of relief. "I should have come earlier."

"Never mind, never mind," Lian Cheng said, letting him go. "You came at the perfect time. I've had a good bout with him."

Lian Xiusheng saw the red at the corner of his mouth. He thought it was just a petal, but wiping it with his thumb, he found it was blood. His expression froze. "Whose blood is this?"

"Mine, of course," Lian Cheng pointed to his chest. "I stabbed him, and he kicked me—we're even."

"An undeserved calamity is never even," Lian Xiusheng said. He walked over to the half-dead man and asked who had sent him.

Lian Cheng bent over to look at him. "He probably can't speak anymore."

The moment the words left Lian Cheng's mouth, a sharp blade sang as it left its sheath. A flash of cold light in his peripheral vision—Lian Xiusheng plunged his knife into the man's back, twisting half a turn left, then half a turn right.

"Ah!" came a scream. The man cried out, "Commander Meng sent us! He said we must eradicate the roots—even the dead Wu family had to be burned clean!"

"Us?" Lian Cheng was taken aback. "Then why did I only see you?"

"Here, five dead bodies and you, sir. The others went to deal with the Wu family's women and servants."

Lian Cheng gasped. That was a true massacre.

"I've told you everything," the man gasped for breath. "I don't ask for mercy, only that you spare my wife and children."

Lian Cheng was about to say, "You don't have to beg for death," but Lian Xiusheng had already replied, "Very well," and drove his knife straight through the heart.

A mountain wind blew, moaning softly, brushing their faces. Lian Cheng blinked. "You son of a gun, you're quick with your hand."

Lian Xiusheng pulled out his knife and wiped the blood in the wheat field. "I thought Third Brother would say I was ruthless and disagree with my methods."

Lian Cheng clicked his tongue, plucked a stalk of wheat, and put it in his mouth. "Why not keep him alive to confront Meng Chong?"

"Third Brother speaks like a child," Lian Xiusheng said. "Not to mention he only burned a few corpses; even if he had harmed you and me, as long as he still has his uses, others can do nothing to him."

"The emperor who breaks the law is guilty like a commoner," Lian Cheng said.

Lian Xiusheng retorted, "When has a law-breaking emperor ever been punished like a commoner?"

Seeing his third brother's unhappy expression, and knowing he had taken a blow—after all, Third Brother was more of a loyal minister than himself—Lian Xiusheng rubbed Third Brother's muddy, wet head and said softly, "No flower blooms for a hundred days. Third Brother and I only need to hide our talents and wait for the right time."

-

Back at the yamen, upon learning that the corpses had been burned and over a dozen more people were dead, Meng Chong flew into a rage at Lian Cheng. Lian Cheng couldn't be bothered to deal with him, thinking, we're of equal rank now. No matter how angry you get, you can't hit me. I'll just watch you pretend for now.

After all this back and forth, it was time for the evening meal. Lian Cheng went to Zhang Ailian's house to report that he was safe, then returned to Penglai Pavilion. He took off his clothes and bathed, finding mud even in his ears. After finally washing clean, Huqiu said that Sixth Brother had brought a medical officer to examine him.

Lian Cheng said there was nothing wrong with him and he didn't need any examination.

Huqiu wrung his hands, clearly unconvinced. "Young master, how can you lie? Sixth Brother said that while on duty, you were thoroughly beaten by some bandits!"

"..."

Lian Cheng's face turned red. "It was a draw, a draw! That bastard talks nonsense—you believe him?"

The medical officer this time wasn't the one who had previously diagnosed the parasitic worm; that one had gone to Xiang Prefecture and hadn't returned yet. It was his apprentice. He took Lian Cheng's pulse and said there was nothing serious, only adding a few blood-activating and stasis-dissolving herbs to the previous prescription. After the medical officer left the prescription and took his leave, Lian Xiusheng looked at the prescription and sent Jin Cai to fetch the medicine, while he stayed to have dinner with his third brother.

For the past few days, the two brothers had mostly been having simple meals at the Song residence, rarely eating from their own kitchen. Today, the kitchen prepared braised eel in sauce, steamed egg custard with filling, fried chicken, tender pickled goose, cold mixed jinquehua flowers, pickled spring mustard, and shrimp mixed with shredded tofu skin. They also brewed two cups of freshly made lotus tea from yesterday, which was far better than the banquet fare.

They did not speak during the meal. Only after finishing their food and rinsing their mouths did they start chatting idly.

Lian Cheng, holding the lotus tea from the table, sprawled onto the daybed, still reviewing case files. Among the six young men from Tangzi Alley, one even worked in the same office as him.

Lian Xiusheng sat cross-legged across from him, reading the Ministry of Works documents. Each had their own work to do.

Before long, Man Cai brought a bowl of bitter medicinal broth. Without even looking, Lian Cheng knew it was for him and immediately feigned death.

Man Cai, still inexperienced, leaned in and quietly urged, "Third Brother, don’t fall asleep. Time to take your medicine."

After being called a few times, Lian Cheng replied from behind the book, "Just put the medicine on the table. I’ll drink it later."

Man Cai was about to set it down.

"Third Brother is faking!" A sweet shout came from the window. Lian Cheng looked up in surprise and saw Lian Yi by the daybed’s window, pushing it open and calling inside.

Lian Xiusheng said flatly, warning Man Cai, "Just this once. Don’t let Third Brother fool you again."

Man Cai pouted but brought the medicine back to Lian Cheng again.

From behind the curtain, Lian Yi entered, followed by Qiong Hua carrying a plate of candied fruit. Qiong Hua was not as easily deceived as Man Cai. She watched Lian Cheng closely, making sure he drank every last drop of the medicine, alternating with a bite of candied fruit. Lian Yi peeked at him from the side and said, "Third Brother must finish the medicine before your little sister will let you off."

After Lian Cheng finally downed the bitter medicine, he asked Lian Yi why she had come.

Lian Yi said, "The families of Fifth Sister and Second Sister-in-law have discussed marriage arrangements. Cousin Miaozhen has also made her betrothal with the Han family. They’re going to become sisters by marriage now. I’m the only one left alone, so I have no one to talk to."

Leaning against the wall, Lian Cheng asked, "You’re almost of age too?"

"Not yet!" Lian Yi tapped the bed edge with her fan, fidgeting with her nails as she said, "It’ll be three or four months after Yun Jieer’s birthday before it’s my turn to hold my coming-of-age ceremony. Third Brother, Sixth Brother, you can’t refuse to come then."

"Of course," Lian Xiusheng said. "Since you’re family, unless something serious comes up, why wouldn’t I come?"

Lian Yi broke into a smile. Her features bore little resemblance to her brothers’: willow-leaf eyebrows of dark lacquer, amber round almond eyes, a small nose, and full lips. She was adorably naive, most lively when smiling, like a little goof when not. She pulled out two embroidered pouches, both made of gold-brocade satin, each embroidered with a carp with its tail raised and head lifted. After handing them out, she said cheerfully, "I wish both brothers continued success and promotion."

Lian Cheng put down his book, turned the pouch over to examine it, and praised, "Sister’s embroidery of the fish is excellent—so lifelike."

Lian Yi said, "Fifth Madam added a few stitches for me. Without her skill, it’s probably not that good."

Lian Cheng was still deciding whether to hang the pouch on his waist. He glanced at Lian Xiusheng, only to find that the other had already attached his.

*Has he never seen a pouch before?*

Even if Lian Cheng wasn’t a doting brother, he had heard from Fifth Madam that Lian Yi was very fond of him. He wouldn’t treat a family member who loved him coldly. So he instructed Tong Xue to fetch a gift from the storeroom for Lian Yi. Tong Xue understood and brought a box of fat, round pearls, handing it to Lian Yi.

"Thank you, Third Brother! I love pretty pearls the most!" Joy bloomed on Lian Yi’s cheeks. Her aunt, the Fourth Madam, came from a merchant family, so she never lacked fine things. But the pearls Lian Cheng gave often came from Zhang Ailian, who obtained them from the imperial household, which was beyond any merchant’s reach.

A few days later, Lian Yu also sent a box of beautifully made pastries she had prepared herself. Lian Cheng generously gave her a box of pearls as well. Knowing she was preparing her dowry, he added a pearl hairpin. Qiong Hua heard about this but said nothing openly; privately, she couldn’t help looking down on Fifth Miss’s behavior. She thought Fifth Miss was rushing to ask for a gift too, just because she saw that Lian Yi had received something precious, as if turning the Penglai Pavilion into a pawnshop. Lian Cheng, however, was unaware of the scheming among the young ladies in the inner quarters—he was still tied up in the case.

-

The investigation felt interminable. Before the case could be resolved, the Song family’s funeral procession was about to take place.

Because the deceased had been granted posthumous honors, countless people came to pay respects and observe the ceremony. Besides the family members, there were numerous officials from the capital, literary societies from various places, and a huge crowd of common townsfolk. Since Old Master Song and his wife had not been corrupt oppressors of the people, when the funeral procession began, and the Song eldest son smashed the basin, many commoners knelt, kowtowed, and wept bitterly—far more genuine than the professional mourners hired by the Ministry of Rites.

Taoist priests and Buddhist monks led the procession, paper child spirits guarded the spirit, paper money fluttered in the sky like snow, and memorial banners waved through the streets. Songs praised the deceased’s worldly virtues, poems recounted the heirs’ ambitions, and the procession was grand and boundless.

Lian Cheng was part of the yamen’s security cordon for the funeral procession. Dressed in a brocade robe, he was recognized by some as one of the men who had driven Lord Song to his death. As the crowd jostled, someone hit Lian Cheng twice on the back. When he turned around, he saw a wide-eyed child looking at him innocently.

Amid the crowd, as the monks chanted the eulogy personally written by the current emperor, Lian Xiusheng, in ordinary clothes, squeezed in from behind Lian Cheng. Just as he was about to touch his third brother’s shoulder, he saw a man resembling his third brother suddenly turn and angrily curse him: "You ruined the Lian family! Even as a ghost, I, Lian Cheng, will never let you go!"

Lian Xiusheng grew suspicious. He knew that perhaps some part of his soul was rooted in a tree, allowing him to see himself beneath it. But he hadn’t expected to see himself and his third brother elsewhere. He saw his third brother filled with resentment, like a vengeful spirit, yet still cherished him. He was about to ask more when the vision appeared and vanished instantly.

"Third Brother!" Lian Xiusheng panicked. He didn’t know whether being haunted by his third brother even in death was misfortune or fortune.

Hearing him call, Lian Cheng quickly turned back and grabbed his hand, pulling him close. At the same time, he said in a low voice, "There are too many people now. I have official duties. Don’t cause trouble—just follow me properly."

Lian Xiusheng squeezed his third brother’s hand back and said with a smile, "Third Brother, I heard you say you’d haunt me even in death."

Lian Cheng brandished his waist knife. "If you commit crimes, then of course I’ll haunt you even in death."

Lian Xiusheng thought for a moment, then said, "Third Brother says he’ll haunt me even in death—so clingy."