"This strip of paper was secretly given to me by Li Shisi during the banquet last night. Whether or not his words are to be trusted, he had undoubtedly pointed us to the place so we needn't search for it ourselves."
Before everyone's looks that bounced between suspicion and concern, Cui Buqu spoke slowly.
Rong Qing's look changed: "That is to say, the author of these three paintings was him?"
Cui Buqu did not answer that question. Instead, he talked about what he had discovered from those three paintings.
The first painting illustrated the expression of a man in official clothes, so they were definitely familiar with people of the court. Otherwise, common people would not even have known what colours were worn by their respective ranks, neither would they have known how to draw such a clear-cut piece of painting.
The second painting had corpses buried under a tree; now that Qiao Xian had gone to dig them up in person, it had been proven that they were true. From the corpses' bones and leftover clothes, they were very likely flood victims. However, why would flood victims be killed? If they killed each other, then no one would have buried them, neither would there be such a huge pile of them. Thus, there was only one explanation: they were killed. In fact, the murderer did not want anyone to know, so they buried the corpses. Once the flood washed over it, the soil was washed thin, so when Qiao Xian went over, she could very easily dig them out.
As Cui Buqu finished speaking, he looked around at everyone. As expected, they all looked astonished.
The paleness hasn't faded out from Rong Qing's face, swaying unstably as he stood, battered out of all his senses: "I know now. I know now… these flood victims must have wanted to enter the city for refuge, but were murdered on Huang Lue's orders!"
The Imperial Envoy would be coming, yet the flood victims were accumulated outside the city, unwilling to leave; this cannot be justifiable. However, there were not enough rations within the city. Or perhaps, Huang Lue and those distinguished families within the city had never intended to waste rations saving these victims. So, they had killed them all to get over with it. Strength left the victims as they starved, so when faced before this wave of killing, they wouldn't have the strength to fight back.
If this theory is true, then the entire Guangian County, from its County Magistrate to distinguished families and landlords, were all accomplices or the murderers themselves.
"Huang Lue should die!" Rong Qing hammered a fist onto the table, cursing brutally.
He suddenly raised his head to look at Cui Buqu: "I will write the report now and send it to His Majesty, bringing this local incident to light!"
Cui Buqu asked him instead: "If one were to say these flood victims died outside the city before they arrived, and Huang Lue had buried them in order to avoid the pestilence from spreading, what would you say then?"
Rong Qing's expression was extremely agitated: "If that is so, then how can they have knife wounds on them?!"
Qiao Xian twitched her lips: "This is not good. If one were to say they killed each other from starvation, and the city is already empty of rations during that time, Huang Lue would not dare to let them in easily. In the end, while in their hesitation, everyone died. If you don't have other evidence, then this incident would just be rendered a wrong observation. If he could defend a city from being invaded by the flood, that in itself is already a laudable deed; balancing merits and demerits, he would be forgiven."
It was like Rong Qing's neck was being squeezed, he was voiceless all of a sudden.
Cui Buqu told Qiao Xian: "Go and investigate Li Shisi, check the time he arrives in Guangqian County. And also, whether there is such a person in the Li family."
Qiao Xian acknowledged the order and left.
Rong Qing couldn't help saying: "Then, what about the third painting?"
Cui Buqu: "Qixia Villa; we can take a look."
Before Rong Qing could display his smile, Cui Buqu raises a finger.
"However, it is me who goes, and not you."
Rong Qing was taken aback, immediately saying: "Commander Cui, you cannot burn the bridge after you've crossed the river!"
Cui Buqu practically burst out laughing: "If Qixia Villa is really related to this incident, then it will most certainly be heavily guarded, with dangers aplenty laying in hiding. If I won't go, can it be you otherwise?"
The only two top-tier masters present, Guan Shanhai and Qiao Xian were people of Cui Buqu. Naturally, Rong Qing cannot command them.
Rong Qing withered all of a sudden.
He felt like after he came here, he had not uncovered many clues, but he also has never done a single thing right.
Now it was obvious there were many things that looked wrong, but not a single clue could be found.
The endless stretch of heroism that Rong Qing had when he left the capital, cannot withstand a single blow in the face of reality.
Very quickly Qiao Xian returned.
Li Shisi; there truly is such a person. It's not difficult to investigate since all one needed to do was ask at Li family shop units. In fact, due to his absurdness, no one would ever question people who seek his name.
"Allegedly, he is a distant nephew of the Li family's patriarch. Since young, in his hometown, he's naughty and mischievous, unable to be taught, failing in both studies and martial arts, a mouth full of flattery and often running off to linger in inappropriate places, making his elders furious till they jumped and were forced to toss him into the county town, begging the Li family to arrange a task for him to do, to avoid him from growing more and more absurd. Who could have guessed that he doubled his mischievousness when he came here, for not only did he coax the entire Li family till they bloomed with happiness, he even got involved with a married man, creating affairs everywhere. However, he had accomplished the few tasks that were given to him splendidly, and so the eldest son of the Li family got close to him."
"I've asked around, and realized he came to Guangqian County after the heavy rain began, around five to six days ago."
Rong Qing gave an "Ah", and said, "The rain began ten days ago. Horrendous rain caused the water to rise in level, catalyzing the process, flooding outside Guangqian City four days later, meaning that Li Shisi hasn't witnessed it!"
Cui Buqu turned towards Guan Shanhai: "What are your opinions?"
He had not treated Guan Shanhai like any common bodyguard, seeming like he looked up to him instead. Guan Shanhai was also gradually being convinced and wasn't as declining as he was at the beginning. For Guan Shanhai, pursuing Cui Buqu was no longer a reality that could be changed. With how Empress Dugu heavily valued the Zuoyue Bureau, this task of his would not end swiftly. Instead of being displeased with his duty, it was better to earnestly try his best.
And so Guan Shanhai added with all seriousness: "With Li Shisi's identity, it's impossible to obtain trust the moment he came. So, he could not have witnessed the corpses beneath the tree unless he heard hearsays. However, even if we had not obtained such important information, how would he have found out within a few short days? Thus, these three paintings might not come from him. His meeting at Qixia Villa might only have been a coincidence."
Cui Buqu nodded his head: "But I still need to go."
Qiao Xian's eyebrows furrowed: "Commander!"
Cui Buqu raised his hand, and she immediately quietened down.
"Yesterday at the night banquet, Li Shisi came out of the blue, speaking when it was not his place to speak, showing himself in an incredibly bombastic way. After him, Huang Lue, the Li and Ding family all couldn't hold themselves back and had to speak to provoke Imperial Censor Rong into fury."
From the views of bystanders, perhaps Li Shisi was just creating mischief. However, to Cui Buqu, this method of his was very similar to Feng Xiao's style. Behaving mischievously but bringing out the true faces of everybody.
"The Governor is taking his time; Huang Lue remained silent; the Assistant Magistrate Li Yan seemed to love proving himself more than the County Magistrate. The Ding and Li families seemed like they didn't even take Imperial Censor Rong seriously. However, without Li Shisi there to holler around, these people might still have been in quiet, humorous moods, joining forces to perform a staged banquet as if they were all in the same boat, coaxing Imperial Censor Rong enough to the point he might have already written a request to the Imperial Court asking for more rations."
Rong Qing listened angrily. Waking up this morning, he realized he had almost stepped into Huang Lue's traps, yet hadn't thought that he was played so thoroughly.
Guan Shanhai looked like he had a thought.
Qiao Xian squinted her eyebrows, realizing that Cui Buqu seemed to trust Li Shisi beyond the normal.
Cui Buqu is determined that this is Feng Xiao in disguise, and so formed his analysis based on this thought.
But what if this assumption was wrong?
What if Li Shisi isn't Feng Xiao? Even if he is Feng Xiao, what if he is harbouring malicious intentions, luring Cui Buqu into a trap on purpose?
"If the painting is not the doing of Li Shisi, then who could it be?"
Cui Buqu allowed Rong Qing to take out the other two paintings; once three paintings were put side by side, it was obvious.
The third painting's brush strokes were clearly rougher and more casual than the former two. With just a few strokes, it sketched the outline of the rat and the villa.
This proved that it was drawn during a very pressing moment. He couldn't even wait for the ink to dry up first before wrapping it up and have someone send it here.
Rong Qing had never noticed this before, but now that he examined it, he did notice a few problems.
"This person's skills in painting are good—definitely not a common citizen. Since he could find out these things, he would have been someone of considerable standing. In fact, he could even grasp the core secrets. He might have been one of the Li or Ding families."
Although he was rash and childish, after he calmed down he could prove that he wasn't completely useless.
"The third painting is sent here early in the morning, proving he had been observing our every action in the dark. If I had associated myself with Huang Lue yesterday night, I fear this painting would not have made its way here today. Master Cui, in your opinion, would this person have attended the banquet yesterday night?"
Cui Buqu nodded his head: "Not only is this person not a common citizen, but he is certainly also quite accomplished in artistic and calligraphic abilities. Although he tried his best to erase all traces of himself, we could still perceive that his painting abilities are excellent. Lao-Guan, go find out among the people who attended the banquet yesterday night, who is skilled in calligraphy and painting, yet possess very small fame."
Guan Shanhai left quietly, having no objections to the address of 'Lao-Guan'.
Perhaps he already knew that the situation in Guangqian County is like a messy pile of chips, impossible to overcome with just martial arts alone and that Cui Buqu's existence is like everyone's pillar of support. Let alone Qiao Xian and himself—even Rong Qing who was not used to people of the Zuoyue Bureau had unconsciously relied on Cui Buqu, following behind him.
Although this Master Cui is riddled with sickness, and could not even muster his spirits on normal days, when one is before him, answers to every uncertainty would be determined, and problems were no longer problems.
Breakfast was delivered quickly, but everyone had no appetite. Rong Qing only took a few bites before rising to his feet and turning around to leave, saying that he wanted to search for new clues.
Perhaps he could tell that Qiao Xian had something to say, so he searched for an excuse to leave. Cui Buqu did not stop him.
After Rong Qing left, Qiao Xian couldn't wait anymore and said: "Commander, tonight, please allow this subject to go!"
Cui Buqu said: "With Guan Shanhai, you needn't worry. Feng Xiao would have his reasons for leaving a clue like this behind."
He has already decided that Li Shisi is Feng Xiao.
Qiao Xian puckered her lips.
Cui Buqu's deals with Feng Xiao more frequently than herself, and he was an equally intelligent person, so he could have most certainly recognized Feng Xiao through scanty hints.
"However, Commander, by the end of the day Feng Xiao is a member of the Jiejian Bureau. Every action and move he makes would be for the Jiejian Bureau, just like last time in Tiannian Mountain, where he feigned surrender to annihilate the stronghold of the Thirteen Pavilions of Yunhai in a single swoop. You sustained heavy injuries, yet he earned the Śarīra, improving his martial arts to a stroke above, even obtained the same amount of credit as our efforts. Do you think that this time he came, was just to warn you of this, with no ultimate goals?"
Cui Buqu raised his eyes.
"What are you trying to say?"
Qiao Xian struggled momentarily, before immediately kneeling down, looking at him.
"This subject thinks that your trust in Feng Xiao has already crossed the line!"
Cui Buqu laughed instead: "Oh? And what is the line? Who made that rule, was it you?"
He was furious for real. Qiao Xian could see it through his eyes, but she insisted on continuing to speak.
"Commander, Feng Xiao and we do not walk the same path. He looks fast and unbridled, but in reality, he is astute in calculations. Since the City of Six Crafts until the present, every time he works together with you, he has never been at a disadvantage! This time, he has surely come to Guangqian County for something else. It might even be his intentions to let you take the perilous road, while he sits back waiting to reel in the benefits!"
Cui Buqu nodded his head: "I know. Everything you say applies to his personality very well."
Qiao Xian: "Then why do you still trust him?!"
Why?
Cui Buqu froze as he pondered.
He thought back to the day in that cave, that stab that Feng Xiao had given him.
During that time, he was not angry or surprised, because he had long calculated the reasons and causes, and understood why Feng Xiao would do this. If Feng Xiao hadn't stabbed him, it would instead make him stupid.
Petty kindnesses and soft-natures did not suit them.
However, he hadn't expected those words from Fan Yun: That Feng Xiao who had obviously left came back looking for him and got himself harassed by Yu Xiu.
If Feng Xiao had left earlier, using the ways Cui Buqu taught him to pass through the array, then he would not have been trapped inside.
Because Feng Xiao had come back looking for him, Cui Buqu also went looking for Feng Xiao.
Perhaps from that moment, both of them were truly entangled with each other, a clear line impossible to define between them.
"Commander, the Jiejian Bureau presently looks like they were on good terms with us because of Feng Xiao, but His Majesty would never be too happy to see the Zuoyue and Jiejian Bureau walking so close with each other. Feng Xiao had other reasons for trying to be intimate with you!"
Qiao Xian had never interfered with Cui Buqu's matters. She would only follow closely by his side, listen to Cui Buqu, and move forward even in the face of danger.
However, her hostility to Feng Xiao has propelled her from being initially hidden and dormant to no longer able to be contained. She would rather provoke Cui Buqu into a fury, but she has to make a reproachful protest.
Cui Buqu blinked: "Everything he could get from me, he could also get from His Majesty. Why make an unnecessary move?"
Qiao Xian gritted her teeth: "Because he wants your person!"
Cui Buqu was taken aback as if he didn't expect Qiao Xian to put it that way. He couldn't help himself laughing out loud and he couldn't stop, bending his back down, unable to be suppressed.
Qiao Xian's face brimmed red.
Cui Buqu laughed for a long time before he sat back up and shook his head: "Impossible."
Him, Cui Buqu, who was like a decaying tree, harassed by illness all around; even if he could live to see next year's Spring, he might not live to see the following one.
As for Feng Xiao, he was peerless in both martial arts and looks—even the unique beauty Fong Xiaolian could not meet his standards—and he'd give anything to spend the rest of his life with a portrait of himself. How could such a person take a fancy to Cui Buqu, a cruel and vicious person who makes use of forceful methods?
"Qiao Xian, you've mistaken. Presently, between him and I, we are neither enemies nor friends. However, if I could recognize him, I believe he will not harm us for nothing."
"Then what if he doesn't show up tomorrow night?" Qiao Xian asked.
Cui Buqu paused for a moment, "It won't happen."
Such a confident answer.
Qiao Xian suddenly had a theory.
A theory she wasn't willing to ponder over too much.
Unconditional trust meant taking matters to heart.
To Cui Buqu, has Feng Xiao already become someone he took to heart?
Perhaps even he himself hasn't realized that.
Or perhaps, he wasn't willing to think about it.
From the City of Six Crafts to Guangqian County, those fine and dense threads intertwining them has stretched across a great half of the Northern Dynasty. Was it not enough to touch the feelings of the cold, hard, steel-hearted Cui Buqu?
But, is Feng Xiao truly worth it?
Forty-five minutes after noon, Guan Shanhai returned.
Rong Qing had also hurried into the house.
Of the conversation between Cui Buqu and Qiao Xian just now, they know nothing. Although they realized the atmosphere in the room has turned strange, no one was dumb enough to ask about it.
Guan Shanhai brought a very important message.
"Commander, Imperial Censor Rong, time presses on, so this subject could only vaguely investigate Governor Yang Yun, County Magistrate Huang Lue, Assistant Magistrate Li Yan, and County Official Wu Yi, as well as all the distinguished families within the city: the Li, Ding, Zhao, and Zhong families. I discovered that Huang Lue is quite skilled in artistry. He was once a student of Dong Boren1, sharing a style similar to his teacher. After assuming the post of County Magistrate in Guangqian, the Li and Ding families asked him to paint for them to earn his favour. This subject could not find a piece of Huang Lue's work within a short amount of time, so I've gone instead to an antique shop near the city centre and asked for a copy of Dong Boren's work."
He spread open the painting he brought back in front of everyone.
Rong Qing gave a questioning yelp and used it to compare to the second and third painting.
"The way those leaves were drawn, they're incredibly similar!"
Following that were even more questions.
Why did Huang Lue send Rong Qing three paintings and provided him with clues so that he may investigate the flood? Was he unaware that if the matter came to light, Huang Lue himself would not be able to escape the crime?
This discovery was astounding, making everyone dizzy.
Rong Qing was surprised and bewildered, afraid that he was overthinking it, so he compared both paintings again.
"There are two possibilities."
Cui Buqu said: "He may have done it on purpose, going against the very path he walked, to lead us into confusion before destroying us in one swoop. Another possibility is that he behaves like he's on one side, but is serving another; unwilling to associate with them, yet dares not speak for himself, so he could only use these sort of ways to warn you. If you failed, nothing would happen to him. If the Imperial Court launches an investigation, he could be exempt from the crime for making such contributions."
Rong Qing inhaled sharply. The result was making him more and more stunned and bewildered.
He himself was, too, a scholar who studied bitterly for decades, one who came from a background who read cursorily the accomplishments of scholars of the four arts2. These few paintings, from flowers and trees to mountains and rocks, were drawn from the flow of one continuous line.
This also meant that these three drawings were most certainly the work of Huang Lue.
"Master Cui, please allow me to follow both of you tonight!" Rong Qing begged again.
Cui Buqu rejected it: "No, you should stay here. Huang Lue has given you three paintings, he might give a fourth. Only with your presence these clues are obtainable."
Rong Qing wanted to say something, however in the end, he kept it to himself and nodded his head, obeying completely.
With Qiao Xian and Guan Shanhai, Cui Buqu will be safe, and with Cui Buqu, they would discover more leads in Qixia Villa and find more key evidence to the case.
Rong Qing could smell a sliver of danger, the smell of impending rain from the mountains and wind that hailed down the pavilions.
However, this present version of him hadn't expected Cui Buqu and the others to encounter such grave danger on this trip.
Because from the way he saw it, among these three people, even if they were in danger, Guan Shanhai and Qiao Xian would be enough to help Cui Buqu escape.
Even Cui Buqu and the others had been thinking the same.
...
Night.
It drew close to midnight.
The heavy rain had stopped for half a day, and the flood had also receded. As the common people watched the first light after the rain, all their worries in the last few days were lifted. They had also slept soundly tonight.
However, in the sky, dark clouds gathered and concealed the stars and moon. If they weren't blown away, there would be another horrendous rain, adding to the already disastrous situation of Guangqian Prefecture.
Outside Qixia Villa was a blanket of cold silence.
Even the birds on the mountains have hidden. The villa's doors were shut tight, yet dark shadows lingered within, proving that it was lenient on the outside but there were people manning the inside.
Tree leaves rustled on the ground, the wind has begun to rise.
Three shadows dropped gently atop the roof, before slipping down into the back courtyard.
Nobody had noticed them.
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[1] 董伯仁 (Dong Boren) a famous painter during the Sui Dynasty.
[2] 琴棋书画: zither-playing, chess, calligraphy, and painting are the four arts of a scholar from the old school.