Before long, a maidservant from Xuyuan Garden brought Wan Huameng’s summons.
When Wei Zhenfeng saw the maidservant coming, he didn’t even try to hide, sitting brazenly beside Zhao Mian, drinking wine and eating. The maidservant frowned: “What are you doing here? Who let you out?”
Wei Zhenfeng answered matter-of-factly: “Neither of us like men and we’re about to be forced into marriage by you people. If we don’t cultivate some feelings now, what if we both die on our wedding night?”
The Imperial Advisor urgently needed them, so the maidservant didn’t have time to argue with him: “Change your clothes and quickly leave the garden with me.”
After about an incense stick’s worth of time, they left Xuyuan and were escorted to the Nangong Palace.
Jingdu implemented a curfew policy. Just after Xu hour (7-9 PM), shops closed, pedestrians returned home, and the streets were desolate and deserted. There were three people escorting them, two women and one man, conveniently leaving three spots for their own allies.
As the group passed through a secluded area, Shen Buqi and the others, who had been lying in ambush for a long time, decisively dealt with the three escorts. Then Bai Yu disguised them with masks.
For this trip to Nangong Palace, Wei Zhenfeng planned to bring Yun Yong and Hua Ju, while Zhao Mian would bring Shen Buqi and Bai Yu. Although everything had been arranged, the place they were going was, after all, the lair of Wan Huameng. Shen Buqi once again advised His Highness, hoping he would return to the Zhu residence to wait, and let him retrieve the antidote on his behalf.
“Impossible, you cannot fake the red thread on your hand,” Zhao Mian said, “Besides, I have a backup plan, so don’t worry.”
His backup plan was the Prime Minister and Nanjing. What about Wei Zhenfeng’s?
Given Wei Zhenfeng’s way of doing things, would he also prepare a fallback in case things went wrong?
Thinking of this, Zhao Mian looked towards Wei Zhenfeng.
Wei Zhenfeng sensed his gaze, looked up and met his eyes: “What is it?”
Zhao Mian asked: “Do your parents love you?”
Wei Zhenfeng was momentarily puzzled: “Huh?”
Zhao Mian said calmly: “As the second son in the family… your parents wouldn’t think that as long as your older brother inherits the family business, your life or death doesn’t matter, right?”
Wei Zhenfeng understood what Zhao Mian meant and smiled: “I don’t know. Shall we see when the time comes?”
From Xuyuan to Nangong spanned the entire capital city. As dawn approached, they arrived at the foot of Mount Nangong.
Gazing up from the foot of the mountain, Mount Nangong stood like a behemoth between heaven and earth. Countless specks of light were like its eyes overlooking the world, coldly watching their every move.
Faced with such a stunning night view of Nangong Palace, Zhao Mian’s assessment was that it paled in comparison to Nanjing’s Qianji Institute.
Wei Zhenfeng looked at Nangong, pondered for a moment, and asked Bai Yu: “What does Wan Huameng look like?”
Bai Yu looked troubled: “Wan Huameng can change his appearance at any time, so no one knows what his real face is. However, he is as short as the rumors say.”
“How short?”
Bai Yu gestured with herself: “A little shorter than me, about to my nose.”
Wei Zhenfeng nodded: “I understand. Please lead the way.”
The guards of Nangong Palace had been informed beforehand that the Imperial Advisor was summoning new arrivals from Xuyuan Garden. After checking the red threads on Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng’s hands, they granted them passage. Furthermore, Bai Yu was quite familiar with the terrain of Nangong, so Zhao Mian and the others arrived at the main hall of Nangong – the Chiyue Terrace – without any obstacles.
This place was conveniently located halfway up Mount Nangong, still some distance away from the Yanyue Residence they were heading to. A young man in white stood at the entrance of Chiyue Terrace, seemingly waiting for them.
The young man seemed not yet fully grown, his bones were thin and weak, and he looked fragile. When his clear, pure black eyes looked at you, he exuded a rather pitiful charm.
Bai Yu had never seen this young man in Nangong. He was probably Wan Huameng’s new favorite, and arrived at the Nangong Palace not long ago. He spoke timidly: “Are you… from Xuyuan?”
Yun Yong, disguised as a maidservant, said: “Indeed.”
“The Imperial Advisor is waiting for you inside,” the young man said softly, “Please follow me.”
Zhao Mian followed the young man into the main hall, discreetly observing the surroundings. Suddenly, he felt his sleeve being gently tugged.
Zhao Mian glanced at the culprit, and saw Wei Zhenfeng gesturing with his chin towards the young man leading the way. He followed Wei Zhenfeng’s line of sight and saw a bright red, thin red thread on the young man’s wrist, moving with his steps.
Huh? Another victim of the male and female Gu?
Zhao Mian didn’t have time to think as they were led to Wan Huameng.
The empty hall was solemn and imposing. Rows of neatly arranged candlesticks were placed on the tiers of cyan steps.
The candlelight flickered, its glow ascending the steps one by one, crawling from the lowest to the highest until it prostrated at Wan Huameng’s feet.
The man sat at the very top of the steps, with a massive stone wall behind him. Carved into the wall were two lifelike Huashe snakes, with human faces and jackal bodies, bearing wings and their two tails tightly intertwined.
These two Huashe serpents seemed to be mating.
Perhaps the candlelight was too dazzling, or perhaps the mountain night mist was too thick and they were so far away, but a layer of mist seemed to veil the man’s face. Zhao Mian tried hard to make out his features, but couldn’t see them clearly.
So this is Wan Huameng, one of the four grandmasters of the world, the Imperial Advisor of Dongling, blindly obsessed with matchmaking. He’s indeed quite short, estimated to be around the height of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old. No wonder he has to stand so high up to talk to them.
The white-clad youth stopped in front of the steps. His clear voice echoed in the hall: “Kneel–”
Zhao Mian’s eyes sharpened, just as he was thinking about how to avoid the ritual of bowing, he heard Wan Huameng say: “I will spare you the formalities.”
Wan Huameng’s voice was low and hoarse, reminding Zhao Mian of the Huashe serpents on the stone wall behind him– sinister, slimy, and deeply unpleasant to the ears.
The white-clad youth looked surprised, then pursed his lips and stepped aside.
Wan Huameng’s gaze swept over everyone, looking down from above: “Who presented the painting?”
Painting?
Wei Zhenfeng looked in Zhao Mian’s direction. Just as Zhao Mian was about to speak, Bai Yu stepped forward first, cautiously approaching: “It… it was this humble one.”
Wan Huameng’s gaze locked onto Bai Yu: “How did you obtain that painting?”
Bai Yu recited the prepared explanation: “Reporting to the Imperial Advisor, I was originally a courtesan from the Jiaofang division, and I only know a few characters. That painting was a gift from one of my patrons.”
Wan Huameng’s tone became urgent, even eager as he asked: “What is your patron’s name, and where is he now?”
Bai Yu bit her lip and mustered her courage: “My lord, I have an impertinent request…”
Watching from the sidelines, Zhao Mian realized for the first time that Bai Yu could act so well, portraying the trepidation of an ordinary citizen before the Imperial Advisor to the point of perfection, completely different from her gentle and amiable appearance in the Eastern Palace.
It was the right decision to let her speak. No one else could have achieved this effect.
Wan Huameng fell silent.
Unable to get a response from Wan Huameng, Bai Yu dared not look up, and continued: “My younger brother is already betrothed and it would be inappropriate for him to marry Brother Li. I wonder if the Imperial Advisor would consider withdrawing the decree, spare my younger brother, and finding another suitable match for Brother Li.”
The hall fell completely silent. Zhao Mian glanced at the sky outside. It was almost time for the Dongling’s morning court.
A gust of cold wind blew, causing the candles to flicker even more violently, and the coldness in the hall seemed to deepen.
Shen Buqi clenched his fists, ready to strike at any moment should Wan Huameng fly into a rage and attack them.
After a long while, Wan Huameng slowly spoke: “Are you saying that only if I agree to your ‘impertinent request’ you’ll tell me the full story of this painting?”
Bai Yu quickly said: “This humble one wouldn’t dare.”
“I’ve brokered so many marriages, including noble daughters and commoners, Jingdu scholars and widowed peasant women, even the sons of powerful ministers and their fathers’ cherished concubines– None of them dared to object.” Wan Huameng sneered. “Who do you think you are, to dare set conditions for me?”
Sweat beaded on Bai Yu’s forehead, “This… this humble one…
Could even cold sweat be faked? Bai Yu seemed genuinely afraid.
Speaking from top of the half-story-high platform, Wan Huameng’s oppressive aura was undeniable.
Zhao Mian spoke up, “Imperial Advisor, please forgive my sister. She means no disrespect. My marriage is entirely at your disposal, and I dare not object.”
Wan Huameng’s attention was drawn to Zhao Mian. He scrutinized him for a moment, then looked at Wei Zhenfeng beside him and said with interest, “Interesting. In terms of appearance, you are the most well-matched couple I’ve seen in years.”
Zhao Mian: “…”
The only explanation for such a statement was that Wan Huameng was blind. He couldn’t think of another.
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall. A maidservant entered and knelt, saying, “Imperial Advisor, the Empress Dowager has issued an edict, summoning you to the palace immediately.”
Wan Huameng couldn’t hide his impatience, “What is it now?”
The maidservant said, flustered, “This subordinate heard that Grand Secretary Jia Huai, along with the Duke of Ying and others, are remonstrating in the palace, and it seems the Empress Dowager is about to lose control…”
Wan Huameng scoffed, “That old geezer is making trouble for me again.”
The white-robed youth, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, “My lord, since the Empress Dowager has summoned you, you should still go.”
Wan Huameng was silent for a moment, then said, “First, imprison them in the Chiyue Terrace and keep a close watch on them. I will interrogate them upon my return.”
Yun Yong responded, “As you command.”
The group had memorized the Nangong Palace’s layout thoroughly. Yun Yong led them towards Chiyue Terrace with practiced ease. So far, everything was going according to plan
“There’s one thing I forgot to ask you,” Wei Zhenfeng, who hadn’t spoken much, suddenly said, “When Wan Huameng placed the Gu on you, were you wearing any disguise on your face? A veiled hat or a mask?”
Zhao Mian said, “No, but I don’t know exactly when he placed the Gu.”
Wei Zhenfeng was thoughtful, “I see.”
Zhao Mian could tell from Wei Zhenfeng’s expression that he had thought of something and asked, “What is it?”
Wei Zhenfeng shook his head, “Things are going too smoothly.”
“Isn’t it good that things are going smoothly?” Hua Ju asked, puzzled, “It means our plan is thorough.”
It wasn’t that it wasn’t good– just that it was going so smoothly that it didn’t live up to Wan Huameng’s reputation.
Wei Zhenfeng pondered, “Wan Huameng just said that we were the most well-matched couple he’d ever seen?”
Zhao Mian said flatly, “Do you believe the words of a blind man?”
Hua Ju couldn’t help but speak up for her master, “Young Master Xiao, you can’t say that. Actually, I also think that in terms of appearance alone, you two…”
Zhao Mian cut her off bluntly. “Then you’re blind too.”
Although Wei Zhenfeng was often sarcastic, he almost never bantered with Zhao Mian when he was thinking about serious matters:”Wan Huameng’s words seem to have a point.”
Shen Buqi said, “Young Master, now that we’ve reached this point, we should still proceed as planned.”
Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng both agreed with Shen Buqi’s suggestion. The boat would straighten itself when it reached the bridge—the best strategy was to adapt to circumstances as they arose.
Bai Yu led them deeper into the Nangong Palace. At a fork in the road, she turned away from the Chiyue Terrace and toward their true destination—the Yanyue Residence, where Wan Huameng stored the antidote for the Gu poison.
As expected, Yanyue Residence was heavily guarded. This was a hurdle that couldn’t be overcome with just disguises. Without the Imperial Advisor’s order, no one, regardless of who they were, could enter.
If there were only two or three guards, they could have simply assassinated them and been done with it. But there were dozens of them, they had no choice but to employ a simple ruse.
Yun Yong and Hua Ju claimed they were ordered to enter Yanyue Residence to retrieve something for the Imperial Advisor, but because he left in a hurry, they had no proof.
The guards at Yanyue Residence naturally didn’t believe them. While they were arguing, Hua Ju deliberately created an opening, provoking the guards to attack. She then used her exceptional Qinggong to execute a “lure the tiger from the mountain” maneuver.
With less than half of the guards remaining at Yanyue Residence, Shen Buqi and Wei Zhenfeng, hidden in the shadows, quietly assassinated them, and Zhao Mian and the other three successfully infiltrated Yanyue Residence.
The map Bai Yu had drawn earlier didn’t include the interior of Yanyue Residence. Once inside, they discovered that it was just a courtyard, not large, not small, and completely different from the eerie grandeur of Chiyue Terrace in the main hall. Yanyue Residence could even be described as elegant.
Fragrant grass grew lushly, insects chirped, and birds sang. A chessboard, half-finished, sat in the courtyard seemingly abandoned, completely unlike Wan Huameng’s style.
Time was limited, and they couldn’t dwell on it. Bai Yu said, “Young Master, should we search separately?”
“Hold on,” Wei Zhenfeng stared at the ajar door of the main room. “There’s someone inside.”
Shen Buqi also detected the sound of breathing inside the door and said, “Young Master, step back. This subordinate will investigate.”
Zhao Mian nodded. “Be careful.”
Shen Buqi gripped his sword tightly, approaching the door step by step. Everyone held their breath. Just as Shen Buqi used the tip of his sword to push the door open, a white figure suddenly stumbled out from the inside.
Bai Yu couldn’t help but shout, “Careful!”
Shen Buqi didn’t need her reminder; his reaction was faster than anyone else’s. In the blink of an eye, his sword was pointed at the unwelcome guest’s forehead.
It was the white-robed youth who had led them earlier.
The youth’s face was deathly pale, appearing badly frightened. He held a porcelain bottle in his hand, and a thin line on his wrist was a glaring red.
Bai Yu frowned. “It’s you.”
The youth involuntarily took a step back, and Shen Buqi’s sword followed. Knowing he had nowhere to hide, the youth tightened his grip on the porcelain bottle and tentatively asked, “Are… are you here to steal the antidote to the male and female Gu as well?”
As well?
Zhao Mian instinctively exchanged glances with Wei Zhenfeng.
The youth raised the porcelain bottle and, full of apprehension, walked towards Zhao Mian. “I’ll give you the antidote, please don’t kill me, okay?”
Shen Buqi said sternly, “Stop, don’t move.”
The youth obediently stopped. “I’m sorry, I just ate one.” The youth looked at them fearfully and apologetically. “I didn’t mean to, but I’ll die if I don’t eat it… Now there’s only one dose of the antidote left, what should I do?”
Something was wrong. This boy wasn’t as simple as he seemed.
Ignoring the fact that he was able to safely sneak into Yanyue Residence alone to steal the antidote, he had witnessed everything at Chiyue Terrace and it was under his “reminder” that Wan Huameng agreed to enter the palace to meet the Empress Dowager.
Wei Zhenfeng was right. So far, everything has been too smooth.
Just as Zhao Mian was about to speak, Wei Zhenfeng suddenly grabbed his wrist, pulled him behind him, and stood opposite the white-robed youth himself.
“What should we do? You’re asking us? We wanted to ask you the same thing.” Wei Zhenfeng chuckled, “Imperial Advisor.”
The youth was horrified, his eyes wide with shock: “The Imperial Advisor…didn’t he enter the palace? Has he returned?!”
Wei Zhenfeng was too lazy to waste words, and laughed, “As luck would have it, I recently learned a move for handling things out in the open, and I’ve been itching to try it out. Since you’re not Wan Huameng,” Wei Zhenfeng turned to Shen Buqi, and said decisively, “Eliminate him.”