Tian Song sat in the gatehouse of Prince Su’s mansion, holding a cup of tea, but his thoughts had long drifted elsewhere.
He and Prince Su had not kept in touch for many years, partly to avoid suspicion, and partly because the latter considered him no longer useful and thus looked down upon him.
Earlier, when he told the gatekeeper he wanted to see the prince, the man didn’t even bother to respond, and immediately claimed Prince Su wasn’t at home.
Tian Song suppressed his anger with difficulty, then pulled out a jade pendant to bribe the gatekeeper, finally managing to get his letter delivered.
“Master Tian, the prince invites you in,” said the steward, who had come personally to escort him.
“My thanks,” Tian Song replied with relief, rising to bow.
He knew it all along—if the prince read that letter, he wouldn’t be turned away.
Although Prince Su was no longer favored, during the late emperor’s reign, he had enjoyed immense favor. His mansion was extravagantly luxurious, with pavilions and terraces interwoven, rare flowers and exotic plants blooming in abundance, dazzling the eyes.
Following the steward through countless twists and turns, they finally arrived at a waterside pavilion.
Across from the pavilion stood a grand stage where a troupe of young performers were singing melodiously, their tunes echoing over the water, sounding particularly moving.
The steward stopped at the steps and bowed, indicating Tian Song should proceed alone. “Master Tian, the prince is waiting inside.”
Tian Song hurried in and saw Prince Su reclining on a couch, one leg bent, one hand holding a wine cup, and the other tapping rhythmically on his knee.
Two beauties served him on either side—one peeling grapes, the other slicing fragrant pears—both very attentive.
Upon hearing Tian Song enter, Prince Su raised a hand, and the two beauties silently withdrew.
“Where did this letter come from?” he asked, pointing at the letter titled “Wild Geese Return” on the table.
Tian Song wasted no time, dragging a chair over to sit directly in front of the prince, and simply said, “Your Highness, could it be that…”
On the stage, figures bustled noisily, lively and cheerful, but Tian Song found it extremely annoying.
If not for being in Prince Su’s mansion, he would have already stopped the performance.
At a time like this, still singing and singing!
Prince Su sneered, glancing sideways at him. “You’ve grown old, and your courage has only diminished.”
Where had the boldness gone that they once had in undertaking great ventures?
“Your Highness!” Tian Song grew anxious, about to speak again when interrupted once more.
“The matter from those days, we both know well. The Yan family army has long been crippled, and the remnants were scattered across various regions. After so many years, they’ve either died of old age or returned home to farm—what threat could they possibly pose now!”
Prince Su dismissed it with disdain.
If they truly had the capability to seek revenge, they would’ve done so long ago instead of waiting until now!
“Your Highness!” Tian Song, however, was not as relaxed. “Don’t be careless. The Yan family are all madmen. Have you forgotten what they were best at?”
As a prince, Prince Su had countless private soldiers within his mansion, the entire compound heavily guarded. Even when he went out, he was always surrounded by attendants. Even if there were assassins, they likely wouldn’t get close.
But Tian Song didn’t have that kind of protection.
Best at…
Prince Su paused mid-rhythm, his expression turning more serious.
To many young people today, the name “Yan family army” might be unfamiliar, but their generation knew all too well how terrifying that army had been.
The Yan family army was famously fearless and renowned for winning against superior numbers.
Back then, with only a small force, they dared to confront a coalition of foreign tribes’ armies—and not only that, they actually won!
Later… when Liangzhou was besieged, everyone thought it would fall.
But what happened?
Though the city was nearly destroyed, it was ultimately defended!
With no food supplies or reinforcements, fighting amidst blood and carnage, those soldiers somehow held the city!
Suddenly, Prince Su also felt a surge of irritation.
“So what do you suggest we do?”
Tian Song was taken aback.
Indeed, what could be done?
After thinking for a moment, he suggested, “Your Highness, perhaps you could deploy people to investigate suspicious individuals entering and exiting the city recently…”
Prince Su looked at him as if he were an idiot.
“Do you know how many people enter and exit Kaifeng daily?”
Investigate!
If I still had the authority to do that, would I be cooped up in this mansion enjoying my twilight years?
Even participating in the young emperor’s dragon boat festival under the guise of mingling with the people!
Don’t be fooled by his smiling face—he may seem amiable, but I, his elder brother, know his true nature best!
Could someone who ascended the throne possibly be kind-hearted and soft-spoken?
Didn’t you see how, as soon as Prince Shun fell ill, the current emperor immediately summoned Princess Shouyang back to the palace, claiming it was for a reunion between siblings?
Reunion, indeed! More like sending Prince Shun to reunite with his ancestors underground!
As the sole Iron Hat Prince appointed by the late emperor, I’ve always been an eyesore to him. He must have long been plotting how to find some minor fault to strip me of my title. If it weren’t for my carefulness over the years, there wouldn’t be a Prince Su’s mansion now!
And now this old fool dares suggest I investigate…
If a powerless and unwanted prince suddenly starts doing this, do you think Xie Xian won’t accuse Prince Su of plotting rebellion in court the very next day?
Glared at by Prince Su, Tian Song also realized he had made a foolish suggestion.
But thinking it over, there really wasn’t a good solution.
The most critical problem was:
They both now lacked real power!
Moreover, the enemy was hidden while they were exposed. Without even knowing the enemy’s appearance, let alone their numbers and composition, how could they defend?
For other matters, Prince Su could swallow his pride and go to the palace for help. Even for the sake of maintaining a harmonious brotherly image, the emperor wouldn’t dare ignore it.
But this matter… could it be mentioned?
Prince Su pondered for a moment. “The only way now is to remain calm and wait. First, strengthen our defenses, and once they reveal themselves, strike decisively!”
He refused to believe the enemy would dare attempt an assassination in Kaifeng!
If they truly dared, he would ensure they never returned!
After much deliberation, there was no other choice.
Seeing Tian Song still sitting there motionless, Prince Su said, “If you still trust me, I’ll assign thirty men to you first.”
Tian Song was overjoyed, quickly rising to bow. “Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you!”
Indeed, coming here was the right decision.
Currently, there were hardly any guards left at his mansion.
With this confirmation, Tian Song felt reassured.
With these thirty men, he would certainly be safe!
Once the arrangement was settled, Prince Su found the letter extremely annoying and raised his hand to tear it.
“Let me do it, let me do it!”
Tian Song quickly grabbed it.
This letter was a potential threat; better to burn it!
On the low table beside Prince Su sat a small clay stove used for warming wine. Tian Song asked for permission, folded the letter several times, and reached into the stove.
Seeing this, Prince Su couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re just too suspicious.”
Why go through all this trouble? Just tear it into pieces and throw it into water—it would dissolve in no time. Who could possibly piece it back together?
But Tian Song dared not take any risks. Watching the flames lick the letter with his own eyes, he murmured softly, “Only by rooting it out completely can we avoid future troubles.”
What if the enemy had already infiltrated Prince Su’s mansion?
What if there were spies planted by the emperor within the mansion, waiting for them to leave before collecting the pieces and reconstructing them?
Better to burn it—ashes washed away, leaving no trace.
Soon, the letter burst into flames. Tian Song let go, watching it drift down.
The air quickly filled with the distinctive smell of low-quality ink. Prince Su frowned in disgust but couldn’t resist teasing Tian Song.
“Look at that, the villain must have been reduced to such a pitiful state. What are you still afraid of!”
Tian Song ignored him, sitting there watching the letter and envelope burn into ashes before exhaling deeply.
Safe!
********
The next day at Fuyun Temple, the master officially began his sermon.
Originally, Lady Zhao wasn’t a believer, but considering Ma Bing had recently fallen ill, she decided at the last minute to attend.
What if it helped?
For Ma Bing’s sake, there was no way she could stay indoors. Reluctantly, she accompanied her.
But as soon as she arrived, she regretted it.
It wasn’t that the master was bad—it was that he was too good!
The monk was about sixty years old, with a kind face and gentle voice, but… he was extremely boring.
Because of Lady Zhao’s presence, Ma Bing’s seat was quite close. As soon as she lifted her head, the master noticed and smiled at her with a look of universal compassion.
Ma Bing couldn’t stand this kind of thing the most, so she had to pinch her thigh hard, pretending to be deeply moved.
The master was very pleased.
“This laywoman has a sharp mind for enlightenment. She’s already showing signs of awakening after just a few sentences. What a pity she didn’t take the path of renunciation!”
Ma Bing listened with tears in her eyes. The master, seeing this, became even more moved.
Ma Bing: “…”
Ah! How painful!
Why did I come here to suffer!
Nearby, Xie Yu and Yuanpei: “…”
Yuanpei scratched his head, puzzled. “So Erliang really likes Buddhist teachings?”
I never saw this coming!
She’s usually so quick with slaughtering chickens and rabbits.
Xie Yu: “…”
He didn’t believe in this, nor did he think Ma Bing, who advocated vigilante justice, would.
He had originally planned to take a walk in the back mountains while everyone listened to the sermon, but then he spotted a familiar figure among the kneeling cushions.
And that figure was pinching her thigh hard.
What a pointless suffering!
Say she’s smart, she really is smart—sometimes even he couldn’t handle her.
But say she’s dumb… she really did seem to lack a few brain cells.
Seeing Xie Yu turn to leave, Yuanpei quickly jumped down from the tree. “Sir, where are you going?”
Xie Yu didn’t look back. “To get some red flower oil.”
By the time the sermon ends, that person’s leg would probably be bruised!
The next two days were peaceful.
No one caused trouble, no cases occurred. Ma Bing ate, slept, and occasionally went to the back mountains with Xie Yu to collect herbs, enjoying herself immensely.
Of course, it would have been better if the master hadn’t kept saying she had a sharp mind for enlightenment…
On the third day, they coincidentally met Tian Shu. Surprisingly, she seemed very calm, merely nodding slightly from afar before turning elsewhere, not clinging to him as she had before.
Ma Bing blinked, nudged Xie Yu with her elbow, and teased, “Young Marquis, you’ve been ignored!”
Xie Yu helplessly replied, “Don’t tease…”
Tian Shu’s change surprised another person even more.
“Has the young lady been upset these past few days?” Tian Bin deliberately summoned Old Zhang, the nursemaid, to inquire.
Old Zhang was also delighted. “Indeed not. It must be that the young lady has finally understood the master and young master’s painstaking efforts—she’s grown up.”
Tian Bin didn’t believe it.
It’s easier to change a mountain’s shape than a person’s nature. Without any major turning point, how could she suddenly mature?
“What has she been doing these days? Tell me.”
Old Zhang replied, “Nothing much, mostly reading poetry collections and writing calligraphy in her room.”
Then she suddenly remembered something and grew worried. “By the way, these days the young lady often goes to the front courtyard to stroll and doesn’t allow anyone to follow. Every time she returns, she seems very happy. Young Master, could it be that the young lady is considering renouncing the world?”
Renouncing the world?
Tian Bin was startled, blurting out, “Impossible.”
He knew his sister well—she loved beautiful clothes, jewelry, and finery. How could she endure the austerity of monastic life?
But upon hearing this, Tian Bin began worrying about another possibility.
“Why doesn’t she allow anyone to follow her?”
Could it be she’s met someone and is planning to elope?!
Old Zhang couldn’t provide any details.
They hadn’t followed her, so they truly didn’t know whether the young lady had met anyone.
“Young Master, Young Master!”
Just as they were speaking, someone suddenly rushed in urgently.
Tian Bin frowned, “What’s the rush? Have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you!”
But upon recognizing the messenger, he immediately forgot about scolding, standing up abruptly. “Why are you here? What’s wrong with Father?”
It was one of the young servants who usually accompanied Tian Song.
The servant was covered in dust and sweat, not even bothering to wipe it off, just looking flustered. “Master is ill! Please return quickly to see him!”
Tian Bin was taken aback. “How could he suddenly fall ill? He was fine just a few days ago when he left! Have you called a doctor? What medicine was prescribed?”
“A doctor was called, and medicine was prescribed, but it’s not working,” the servant panted, shaking his head. “We’ve seen two doctors, each with different opinions. I still don’t know the exact illness.
When Master returned home from here, he started having nightmares. At first, we thought it was just poor sleep, but after taking calming pills for several days, the condition worsened. Since yesterday, he’s been shouting in broad daylight that ghosts are coming, saying something about a soul collector…”
Ghosts?
Soul collector?
Tian Bin immediately thought of the letter from before.
Back then, hadn’t Father said, “They’ve come.” There couldn’t be so many coincidences—there must be a connection between the two!
Tian Bin wasted no time, immediately beginning to change clothes while continuing to ask, “After leaving Fuyun Temple that day, did Father indeed go to Prince Su’s mansion? What about the letter?”
The servant nodded. “He did go, but I don’t know anything about any letter.”
Tian Bin’s brows furrowed tightly.
It wasn’t surprising that the servant didn’t know about the letter.
Father had always been suspicious by nature. If it was something not meant to be seen, he wouldn’t show it to anyone casually.
“You said Father started having nightmares after returning from Prince Su’s mansion?” Tian Bin paused in his actions. “What about Prince Su? Is he ill too?”
The servant looked blank. “Well, I don’t know that either.”
How could he know what happened inside Prince Su’s mansion?
Even if the prince were ill, the palace physicians would take care of him, and such news wouldn’t be spread around the streets.
Knowing nothing about this, knowing nothing about that—Tian Bin couldn’t help but feel annoyed.
“Fine, I’ll go back immediately!”
Tian Bin quickly changed into riding clothes. Just as he was about to leave, he caught sight of Old Zhang standing nearby, looking lost and anxious.
“You go back first and keep a close eye on the young lady. If she goes out again, follow her.”
He paused, then added, “Say it’s on Father’s orders!”
Old Zhang nodded, watching Tian Bin rush out like the wind, disappearing down the road in an instant.
She had also heard what the servant said, and couldn’t help but feel worried.
Master is ill—how could he suddenly fall ill?
Don’t mind my saying something disrespectful, but the young lady’s marriage prospects were already difficult enough. If she had to mourn for three years, she’d never get married in this lifetime!
Sigh!
Thinking of this, Old Zhang couldn’t help but quicken her pace.
It was getting late. Based on previous days, the young lady should be returning from her stroll soon.
Yet before she even reached the courtyard, two of Tian Shu’s maids rushed out with anxious expressions. Upon seeing her, they seemed to see a savior, their voices trembling with tears.
“Madam, the young lady is missing!”
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