Chapter 137: Reading the Letter

In his room, Shen Zechuan was writing a letter. Qiao Tianya and Fei Sheng retreated outside.

Fei Sheng was craving a cigarette but dared not smoke under the eaves, for he didn't want to smell of tobacco when Shen Zechuan might call upon him later. After standing there for a moment, he noticed that Qiao Tianya didn't move and understood the unspoken message.

"There's something on your mind," Fei Sheng leaned against the railing of the veranda and said, "Start by telling me what your relationship is with that 'Unpolished Jade, Unmarred'?"

"We've met before, but we're not close. I have a slight impression of him," Qiao Tianya replied casually.

The more Qiao Tianya insisted on this, the more Fei Sheng suspected something was amiss. He said, "Yao Wenyu has never entered the civil service, and he's just an ordinary man in white. He spends most of his time outside the palace, so it's difficult for even Helianhou to meet him. Where did you run into him?"

"Pure coincidence," Qiao Tianya replied nonchalantly. "I didn't expect it either. That's why I was hoping you could help me inquire."

Fei Sheng couldn't pry any further, so he abandoned his attempt at investigation and simply said, "Before Elder Hai's incident, he had asked Yao Wenyu to leave Qidu and return to Jincheng. Jincheng is the Yao family's ancestral home, and there are still some of Tutor Yao's former students there who could look after Elder Hai. But Yao Wenyu didn't leave."

Qiao Tianya let out an "oh" and stood under the eaves, watching the rain fall continuously.

Fei Sheng continued, "Perhaps Yao Wenyu also sensed that Elder Hai had resigned himself to death when he asked him to leave. So, Yao Wenyu got on the carriage, circled around, and returned to the mansion, waiting for Elder Hai to come back from court. Little did he know that he would receive news of Elder Hai's fatal protest instead."

Raindrops dampened the toe of Qiao Tianya's boots as he gazed at the thin mist rising in the courtyard. His eyes fell on a puddle, where he saw his own reflection.

Fei Sheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "When the Venerated Elder was buried, thousands attended the funeral. Yao Wenyu was his only disciple and treated him like a father. Not long after, there was an uprising in the Academy, and all his books were destroyed. If Kong Qiu hadn't hidden them promptly, Yao Wenyu might have been torn apart by his own students. But then, when the princess scandal occurred, he vanished into thin air. Even my informants in Qudu couldn't find any trace of him."

Qiao Tianya turned his gaze and repeated, "Vanished?"

"Indeed, vanished," Fei Sheng said, tracing a circle in the air with his hand resting on the railing. "When we fled Qudu together, I lost contact with my informants for a while. Only recently did I regain communication, but by then, Yao Wenyu had already disappeared. Qudu is the most familiar territory for the Imperial Guards. If my people say he vanished, it's likely he's dead."

Qiao Tianya responded without hesitation, "That's impossible. Kong Qiu still aims to revive the Moderate Faction, and Yao Wenyu is a crucial figure. For both public and private reasons, Kong Qiu wouldn't let him die."

Fei Sheng looked at Qiao Tianya and waited for him to finish before continuing, "I didn't say he died without reason. Let me finish my story. At first, he simply disappeared. Both Kong Qiu and Cen Yu were searching for him, but to no avail. The last place he was seen was at Bodi Mountain, where Hai Liangyi was buried. My men investigated and found an abandoned carriage, indicating he'd been kidnapped. But if it was a straightforward kidnapping, they would've negotiated with Kong Qiu, at least setting some conditions to leverage Yao Wenyu's value as a hostage. However, Kong Qiu received no such communication. Not just Kong Qiu, even the Yao family in Jin City knew nothing."

Qiao Tianya furrowed his brow slightly. "If the Academy hadn't erupted in chaos, he would've been the new star of the Moderate Faction. But after the uprising, the Yao family's status plummeted, and he could no longer shoulder the responsibility of leading the scholars. To Qudu, he became expendable. There must be a reason for killing him, but in my view, there was no need."

"Exactly," Fei Sheng turned his head, speaking oddly, "He held no official position, but as the Yao family's direct descendant, killing him would bring more trouble than benefits. I can't fathom why."

Inside the room, Shen Zechuan called for someone, so Qiao Tianya ended the conversation, entering the room and never mentioning the matter again.

* * *

Luo Mu was cautious and didn't directly confront Cai Yu about it. Instead, he ingratiated himself with his concubine, allowing her to accompany him to the study. The private letters hidden within the study were secretly copied by Cai Yu's maid and discreetly delivered into Cai Yu's hands.

Upon seeing them, Cai Yu flew into a rage. He summoned Luo Mu to his residence and scolded him fiercely.

"I trusted you because I thought you were an honest man, that's why I agreed to marry my sister to you. Whenever your household faced difficulties, which time didn't I, Cai Yu, lend a generous hand? I treated you like a brother-in-law, yet you conspired behind my back! Luo Mengzheng, take a good look at yourself. If not for my support, what would you be? Do you really think of yourself as someone important?"

Cai Yu, a man from humble origins, cursed in a crude manner, causing Luo Mu to kneel before him, apologizing at the table. "How could I repay your kindness with betrayal, Brother? These anonymous letters, I have no idea where they came from. I've been so frightened that I can't sleep at night, always in a daze. I wanted to find a chance to explain to you."

Cai Yu became even angrier, throwing the letters onto the table as he pointed at Luo Mu. "What chance were you waiting for? We live just a courtyard apart. Have your legs gone lame that you couldn't come running? If I hadn't discovered this early on, you'd already be in cahoots with others against me!"

Feeling indignant, Cai Yu stood up and took a few steps, repeatedly patting his chest.

"You're truly despicable, Luo Mengzheng! No wonder there have been more people cursing me since this spring. It turns out you were the ones trying to stab me in the back! A bunch of shameless scoundrels, when I made my name, you were still infants wearing split-bottom pants. I've helped you all along, yet you bite the hand that feeds you! What's wrong? Envious of the profits from grain trading, huh? You think you're fit for this business? Do you even have what it takes, huh?"

Luo Mu was terrified and wanted to speak, but Cai Yu barked, "Stay on your knees! I've given you face outside, tried my best to boost your reputation, but you don't cherish it. Instead, you associate with these ungrateful wolves. Let me tell you, if not for my sister's affection for you, I'd make sure you never leave here alive today!"

Luo Mu broke out in a cold sweat, bowing his head in silence.

Cai Yu stood there, observing Luo Mu's sweat-soaked back, only sneering. He had spent half his life living dangerously, but now, in his old age, he had finally found stability. When he went out, who didn't respectfully call him "Uncle Cai"? Even the bandits across Central Province gave him respect, and even Lei Changming, whom he despised, dared not act recklessly in front of him.

Luo Mu knelt for an indeterminate amount of time until Cai Yu's anger subsided slightly. In his view, Luo Mu was a coward; the fact that he had hidden these private letters for so long undoubtedly meant that he had been incited by the other party. This indicated that someone was indeed plotting against him and planning to strike from within.

Filled with lingering fear, Cai Yu's hatred simmered. He thought he had been generous, even though he took the lion's share of the grain profits, he still distributed scraps to his subordinates to keep them from starving. Yet, he never expected these people to be ungrateful.

"Since they lack humanity, I have no choice but to abandon justice," Cai Yu said softly by the translucent window as he sat down. "Greed is insatiable, like a snake attempting to swallow an elephant. Once I catch a few to set an example, they will realize that even though I, Cai Yu, am old, I'm not old enough to be taken advantage of."

While Cai Yu was dealing with the minor factions, Shen Zechuan's cold was gradually improving. Fei Sheng's transcription work was efficient, not only recording the prices in Tea State but also dispatching people to Fan State for more information.

In the early days, Shen Zechuan didn't reveal that they were in Tzu State for grain trading. Kong Ling simply purchased foreign goods around the city, making it seem like they were on a shopping trip. When some came to inquire, Kong Ling was vague and indifferent, causing the number of inquiries to decrease over time.

Kong Ling accompanied Shen Zechuan outside, visiting one of the Xi family's shops. The Xi family's establishments here mainly dealt in contraband, cosmetics, and medicinal herbs.

"Outside the city, there is widespread suffering, while inside, it's prosperity and luxury. No matter if it's a chaotic era or not, the ones who always suffer are the common folk," Kong Ling commented as he held a handful of herbs to his nose, praising them. "Fine quality."

"Xi Hongxuan has foresight in business," Shen Zechuan observed the shop. "Others typically wouldn't dare to open such a store here, either out of fear of theft or fear of failure. Who would've thought that those with power in this city live even more extravagantly than the merchants of Jue Xi? What they lack are shops like these."

"Money can make ghosts turn millstones," Kong Ling seemed to be in deep reflection.

By discussing Xi Hongxuan with him, Shen Zechuan was essentially talking about his own financial resources. Kong Ling understood the weight behind this gesture; it was a commendation for his loyalty to Tzu State. Kong Ling's heart tightened, realizing that he had been too reckless that day. It was often advised to hide one's abilities, and showing off one's intelligence in front of a clever master was never a good idea.

Kong Ling did not respond directly but changed the subject. Shen Zechuan stopped probing and continued examining the accounts, asking the managers for detailed information about events in Juexi. The managers offered some trinkets and jade artifacts, but Shen Zechuan accepted only a fan. However, he was accustomed to the one Xiao Chiye had given him, so holding this new fan felt awkward. He made do with it, but still couldn't help thinking of Xiao Chiye and hoping he wouldn't forget about it when he returned.

* * *

The rain in Tea State had ceased, but it began to pour in the North. While Zhongbo remained hot, the North was already turning cooler. July winds signaled that the rains would bring chillier weather.

Ever since receiving Xiao Fangxu's letter, Xiao Chiye's mood had soured. He remained stationed at Sand Third Camp, but extended his patrol range to connect with Border Bo Camp, keeping both camps under his watchful eye and maintaining strict vigilance on all sides.

Wu Ziyu, who was originally scheduled to head north in three days to deliver warhorses, delayed his departure. He could not leave without Xiao Chiye. Now, as the main logistical commander in the North, Xiao Chiye had no authority to decide his own movements; he had to comply with military supply orders from all quarters.

Xiao Chiye descended from the camp wall and walked back to his tent in the rain. Darkness was descending, and the cooks were calling for dinner. The Northern Iron Cavalry and the Imperial Guards maintained a clear divide, each group squatting on their respective sides, facing away from one another.

The Northern Iron Cavalry, having suffered consecutive defeats, were agitated and eager to restore their dignity. The Imperial Guards, on the other hand, were known for their informal behavior and knack for jesting. Without their armor, they appeared more playful, but this did not impress the Northern Iron Cavalry.

Xiao Chiye wiped his sweat with a handkerchief from Chen Yang's hand. The tent flap was open, as closing it would make it stuffy inside. Before he could sit down, Gu Jin entered and announced, "Master, a letter from Lord has arrived."

Xiao Chiye took the letter, gesturing for them to withdraw. He brewed himself some rough tea and began opening the package while sipping. The contents were minimal: beneath a bulging, oilskin bag lay neatly folded clothes. Ignoring these, Xiao Chiye first opened the bag.

Inside the bag were two items – a flattened, yellowed sprig of Nine Mile Fragrance and a letter. The paper had absorbed moisture, but Xiao Chiye could still detect the floral scent as he picked it up. Finishing his tea in one go, he unfolded the letter.

The letter was brief, and by the time Xiao Chiye finished reading it, his tea had also been drained. He turned to look at the entrance of the tent. Chen Yang and Gu Jin were still standing there. Xiao Chiye's expression remained unperturbed as he said, "Draw the curtains; I'm cold."

Gu Jin wanted to remark that they had just been feeling stifled, but Chen Yang had already removed the hook and lowered the curtains.

With the curtains drawn, Xiao Chiye read the letter repeatedly. Finally, he collapsed onto the bed and held the letter up, reading each character aloud.

After several days apart, I know you miss me. I send this trinket to comfort your longing.

Touch it as if you're touching me.

Xiao Chiye stared at that line and repeated it once more.

Touch it as if you're touching me.

His throat felt dry, and he laughed inexplicably, his gaze turning fierce.

At the very bottom, written lightly and hastily, were the words: Sleepless in my solitary bed, when will I return to your embrace? Only holding me will do for a good night's rest.

Xiao Chiye released his grip on the paper and looked up at the ceiling. After a moment, he abruptly rolled over and buried his face into the pillow. As if Shen Zechuan was lying beside him, whispering carelessly into his ear, "Only holding me will do for a good night's rest…"