Futile Devices Scans

Back then, when the great army of Yanyuan  pressed against their borders, the disparity in military strength between the two sides was vast. Even though the soldiers and common people of Longsha resisted with all their might, their defensive lines gradually collapsed under overwhelming pressure. The ruler of Longsha, Yu Gong Feng Ting, nearly exhausted the nation’s resources, staking even the future and fate of the next generation of the royal family, as he sought aid and alliances from neighboring states such as Xilingand Dongyu. Yet dispatching envoys, negotiating terms, and mobilizing troops all required time—and at the pace of Yanyuan’s advance, by the time reinforcements arrived, they would likely only be in time to collect the dead.

Just as they reached the end of their rope, when all that remained was to pray for Heaven’s mercy or ancestral intervention, the final gambit Yu Gong Feng Ting had cast out with little hope suddenly descended like a miracle from the heavens—bringing Longsha a blood-soaked “miracle.”

The imperial assassin organization “Bihua,” founded by Longsha’s fourth ruler Yu Gong Qian and answering only to the monarch, had secretly infiltrated Yanyuan’s royal capital Yuanjing and successfully assassinated the Ten Aspects Sect leader, Helan Zhenjia.

Helan Zhenjia’s severed head was hung high above the Yanyuan army, while the invisible blade in the hands of “Bihua” hovered over Emperor Tianbao. This desperate act of deterrence finally pried open a narrow path of survival for Longsha.

This assassination, which reversed the course of the war, not only shocked Yanyuan but shook the entire world. Among the common people, many sayings spread; the most famous went:

“When a great ship sails into a narrow stream,

When a night road leads into a dead end,

When the Yan army reaches Bihan City—

It is time to turn back.”

Not long after, reinforcements from various nations arrived in succession. The Yanyuan army was defeated and retreated; thousands were captured, and vast quantities of provisions and equipment were abandoned. Though Longsha ultimately secured victory by fortune, the battle left it gravely weakened, suffering heavy losses.

With Longsha’s ordeal as a warning, all nations began purging the wandering followers of the Ten Aspects Sect within their borders. With Sect Leader Helan Zhenjia assassinated and several of its key figures eliminated in succession, compounded by the immense toll of war, opposition forces surged within Yanyuan. The Ten Aspects Sect suffered severe damage to its foundations and was forced to lower its banners and go dormant, lying low for years—so quiet that people had nearly forgotten its existence—

It turned out they had not become obedient at all, but had instead quietly gone underground, learning to conceal themselves and operate through deception.

“When the late emperor still reigned, he issued edicts twice to ban licentious sacrifices and heterodox sects. Since my accession, I have heard no reports of the Ten Aspects Sect stirring trouble—likely the authorities have loosened their vigilance. Had Chui Yun not happened to seize upon Song Man’s trail this time, I would have thought these foul things had already been eradicated,” Mu Heng said coldly and decisively. “The Ten Aspects Sect is a poisonous weed that thrives when exposed to light—it must never be given the chance to surface. Chui Yun, the Egret Guardswill have to work harder in the coming days.”

Zhong Yi did not hesitate. “This is this servant’s duty; I bear it without question.”

Wei Fu stared silently at the two pieces of human-skin tattoos, lost in thought. Mu Heng waved a hand before his eyes. “Is there something unusual about these tattoos?”

“Nothing.”

Wei Fu shook his head, his voice so low it seemed almost a murmur to himself:

“I was only thinking… could the assassin have been a family member or relative of one of the women Song Man trafficked? Aside from the three who had not yet been transported away… could there be others who survived?”

Mu Heng exchanged a glance with Zhong Yi. “Once the Egret Guards have clarified their identities, have the local authorities in each city post notices to help locate their families.”

A promise from the Son of Heaven carried the weight of gold—his words were firm and natural, as though success were assured.

But this trade of devouring lives had lasted three years or more. Those forced to leave their homes were like kites whose strings had been cut by a violent wind—scattered who knew where, let alone traceable.

Mu Heng said this only to set his mind at ease. Wei Fu curled his lips into a faint, strained smile:

“That is good, then.”

For once, he put away the ever-present smile that seemed to cost him nothing, and withdrew from the palace burdened with heavy thoughts. After Wei Fu departed, Zhong Yi looked at Mu Heng, who seemed both relieved and troubled, and asked quietly:

“Your Majesty?”

“We hadn’t finished discussing that case earlier—he diverted it halfway, as if I wouldn’t notice,” Mu Heng said, calling for fresh tea. “You know the knot in his heart—he still cannot let go of what happened back then.”

Zhong Yi followed his implication subtly:

“The assassin not only knew of Song Man’s crimes but also uncovered his true background. It is clear the target was his identity as a member of the Ten Aspects Sect. And when it comes to mortal enemies of the Ten Aspects Sect, the foremost would undoubtedly be Longsha’s ‘Bihua.’”

“Exactly.” Mu Heng nodded. “Back then, ‘Bihua’ rose to fame in a single strike, terrifying the people of Yanyuan, but also inevitably arousing fear in others. After all, if they could take Helan Zhenjia’s head from the very heart of the Ten Aspects Sect’s stronghold, they could just as easily take heads from within any imperial palace. So four years ago, the nations joined forces to pressure Yu Gong Feng Ting into disbanding ‘Bihua.’ They even tried by every means to uncover who its members were. If a treasured blade cannot be held in one’s own hand, it is best turned into scrap iron.”

“Longsha’s current situation is akin to walking a tightrope over a cliff—one misstep leads to an abyss. Whether ‘Bihua’ still exists or not, if this case is determined to be their doing, the fault will fall upon Longsha,” he sighed wearily. “That is why Shu Chen does not dare raise this possibility before me. If pursued seriously, it would bring endless complications—especially at such a critical juncture. If seized upon as leverage, things could spiral into disaster.”

Zhong Yi did not quite grasp his meaning and uttered a questioning “Mm?”

Mu Heng tossed a memorial to him. “Half a month ago, Longsha sent word: their ruler Yu Gong Feng Ting has passed away, and the Crown Prince Yu Gong Lie has ascended the throne.”

Zhong Yi understood at once. “When the two nations formed their alliance six years ago, it was agreed that upon the accession of a new king of Longsha, Xiling would dispatch a minister to assist in governance for three years.”

Calculating the days, the envoys sent by Longsha to receive them should already have arrived in Fengdu. At this delicate moment of transition between the two nations, whether ‘Bihua’ was still operating in secret or Longsha’s assassins had extended their reach into Xiling’s territory, either possibility would be like a thunderclap to both sides of the alliance—would relations between Xiling and Longsha be shaken, would Xiling intervene forcefully in Longsha’s internal affairs, would neighboring states seize the opportunity to stir trouble… merely thinking of these concerns was enough to make one’s head spin.

Mu Heng, going along with the current, tacitly permitted Wei Fu’s concealment—clearly unwilling to expose the matter immediately and disrupt the broader situation.

Zhong Yi opened the memorial and swiftly scanned it from beginning to end before raising his head. “Your Majesty already has someone in mind? Since a minister is to be sent to assist governance in Longsha, the delegation will not be small. As for Shu Chen… ahem, has he not taken the initiative to request the assignment?”

“It’s already decided. The Secretariat has recommended Attendant Han Shao. He’s been wailing and insisting on accompanying the mission—I did not immediately agree. Otherwise, why do you think he was speaking to you so sarcastically earlier? He was venting under the pretext of something else,” Mu Heng scoffed. “If not for the sake of Duke Zhenguo, I would have thrown him out long ago.”

The corners of Zhong Yi’s eyes curved as he borrowed Wei Fu’s own words to console him: “Your Majesty reproaches him out of deep regard. Though Longsha’s situation is somewhat complicated, for our court, three years is not long—it may well be a good opportunity for him to gain experience.”

“Spare me. I don’t care for that sort,” Mu Heng rejected outright. “It’s not that I fear hardship for him. I’m worried that Longsha might truly have the person he’s searching for. If, by misfortune, he happens to encounter them—setting aside whether they are a suitable match—would he bring them back, or marry into Longsha himself? How am I supposed to answer to Duke Zhenguo?”

“Your Majesty,” Zhong Yi suppressed a smile as he reassured him, “Shu Chen only wishes to repay a benefactor. It surely would not come to that, would it?”

Mu Heng let out a cold laugh. “When something is constantly on one’s mind, there is bound to be something behind it. That man—gentle on the outside, cold within—has always been the one others chase after. When have you ever seen him pursue someone else? Yet he cannot let go of that one person. Clearly, it is a fated entanglement.”

“Then what does Your Majesty intend?”

Mu Heng replied irritably, “I am not his father—why should I concern myself so much? Besides, his father never bothered with him either. Rather than letting him grow bold enough to sneak off on his own, it’s better to place him within the delegation. At least that way, it’s safer.”

Judging from the degree of concern alone, Zhong Yi felt Mu Heng was no different from Wei Fu’s actual father—but this was something he only dared think, not say. Outwardly, he responded with measured compliance: “Your Majesty’s considerations are sound.”

“Enough, let’s not speak of him anymore.” Mu Heng waved a hand. “The case in Xianglian City is entrusted entirely to you. The Ten Aspects Sect behind Song Man, as well as the true culprit of the case, must all be thoroughly investigated. Also, once the envoys from Longsha arrive in Fengdu, have several members of the Egret Guards follow them in secret for protection. Under no circumstances are they to come to harm within Xiling’s borders.”

“This servant accepts the decree.”

Autumn in Fengdu was cool and dry. On clear days, as one walked the streets, a glance upward would reveal vegetables, grains, and even cats and dogs laid out to dry atop rooftops or within courtyards.

Such mild weather—neither cold nor hot—was perfect for airing books. In the eastern part of the city stood a small residence left behind by his parents. Wei Fu would make time each month to stay there for two or three days, tending flowers, arranging old belongings, or simply doing nothing at all—just idly passing time, adding a touch of human presence so the house would not fall into neglect.

When he came to this courtyard, he rarely brought attendants. Aside from cleaning and maintenance, most things he handled personally. Rolling up his sleeves, he carried out stacks of books and scrolls from the study, sitting in the shaded corridor to spread them out one by one, letting the autumn breeze carry away the dampness between their pages. He then removed the dried rutaceae herbs tucked within the scrolls from the previous year, replacing them with fresh insect-repelling sachets.

The osmanthus and hibiscus in the courtyard had already passed their peak bloom; only a few scattered blossoms and faint traces of fragrance remained on the branches. Beside them, however, a tall ginkgo tree still flourished luxuriantly, swaying brilliantly beneath the clear blue sky.

It should have been a tranquil and leisurely afternoon—if not for someone inadvertently triggering the mechanism on the roof, disrupting their footing with pellets shot from the shadows, and slipping on broken tiles as they tumbled down from above.

Though it was an accidental fall, the black-clad figure landed with remarkable lightness, making less noise than the shattering tiles themselves. In the instant they rose, they had already adjusted their stance, coming face to face with the stunned owner. Without ceremony, they rushed forward, pinning him into a corner. A hand flipped out a short dagger, pressing it against the artery at his neck, as they whispered rapidly:

“Don’t make a sound. Don’t move.”

Wei Fu, being sensible, did not struggle. He merely blinked. The distance between them was close enough to feel each other’s breath. He stood half a head taller, and from his downward angle, he could see a small patch of cool, pale skin at the other’s collar, along with a faint mole at the side of the right neck.

Beneath the bamboo hat, a portion of slightly curled hair was visible—its color soft and pale, a peculiar shade of rice-gray, carrying a faint, lustrous sheen. The overly long fringe before the brows obscured the eyes; the cheeks were thin, faintly hollow, with skin stretched lightly over bone. The narrow jawline and delicately arched lips were refined, yet the high, straight bridge of the nose lent an unexpected air of sharpness. Even with only half the face visible, it was enough to captivate at first sight.

Even with a blade pressed to his throat, Wei Fu still had the leisure to offer praise:

“Your hair is very beautiful.”

The other seemed momentarily surprised and glanced at him. “Thank you.”

Quite polite, all things considered. Wei Fu ventured further, testing the waters:

“…What happened?”

“Ordinary households do not install mechanisms on their roofs,” the other replied with a question of his own. “Have you offended someone?”

Wei Fu lifted his gaze past him toward the main gate of the courtyard. A smile spread across his face like ripples across water as he said slowly:

“Judging from the current situation, that question should be mine to ask.”

The clamor of hooves and footsteps drew closer and closer. The gate was pounded loudly—thud, thud—as someone outside shouted:

“Open up! Imperial City Guard inspection!”

Through the shadow cast by the bamboo hat and the loose strands of hair across his brows, Wei Fu met his gaze with a faint smile, his voice as soft as a whisper:

“Shall I go out and send them away? Or… would you rather wait for them to break in?”

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