Futile Devices Scans

By this point, Mu Heng gradually understood why Yugong Zhaoye had asked that earlier question.

He had believed he already understood what sort of thing the Ten Aspects Sect was: an organization using legitimate businesses as fronts while carrying out fraud and deception, blending among ordinary people, acting in secret, little different from common bandits and perhaps even colluding with them. A force like that would be suppressed under any dynasty. For the sake of the people’s livelihood and social stability, and to prevent it from taking root and growing stronger, eliminating the Ten Aspects Sect was imperative.

But after hearing Yugong Zhaoye’s account and connecting it with the major cases that had recently occurred in Fengdu, Mu Heng completely revised his understanding. The Ten Aspects Sect was no longer merely a folk cult. It was a monster living in symbiosis with Yanyuan. Every action it took reflected the will of that country’s ruler, just as the Egret Guard represented Xiling and Bihua had represented Longsha.

And long ago, the tentacles of that monster had already silently reached into Xiling, even lurking beneath the Son of Heaven’s own feet.

Red Fever, a disease that normally spread only in warm climates, had been altered so that it could spread in the cold. Had the Ten Aspects Sect already mastered the ability to manipulate such an epidemic? Did they possess other drugs or weapons? Such modifications could hardly have been developed for use against Yanyuan’s own people. Yanyuan had annexed Yilin and invaded Longsha. Which northern country would become its next target?

Something so terrifying in someone else’s hands was a blade made for slaughter. But what if that blade were held in one’s own hands?

Countless thoughts flashed rapidly through Mu Heng’s mind, only to be crushed down by his rock-solid rationality.

He steadied himself and looked coldly at Yugong Zhaoye. Bihua truly could not be underestimated. This intelligence could practically be called one of Yanyuan’s lifelines, yet Bihua had still managed to uncover it. Although Yugong Zhaoye spoke cautiously and repeatedly implied that Bihua had already disbanded, Longsha obviously still possessed a force that had inherited its legacy—a beast hunting in the shadows, perpetually watching Yanyuan for the slightest trace.

“It seems Your Highness did not come to Xiling merely to receive the Minister-Regent,” Mu Heng said. “What else have you discovered?”

Yugong Zhaoye replied, “The merchant who died in Xianglian City, Song Man, was actually named Huyan Mo, a native of Yanyuan. His true identity was that of a covert operative sent abroad by the Ten Aspects Sect to expand its influence. His usual method was to use trading firms as fronts, establish footholds locally, attract followers, gather intelligence for Yanyuan, and accumulate wealth. Through those merchant routes, he also collected True Spirits from various regions and transported them back to Yanyuan for the nobles’ use.”

“He had an elder brother, Huyan Zhao, who was also a member of the Ten Aspects Sect and had operated in Xiling for many years. Back then, Lord Wei was secretly transported out of Xiling through one of his trade routes and delivered to the Ten Aspects Sect’s headquarters.”

At those words, everyone nearly choked. Wei Fu’s heart jumped violently. “Then he now…”

Yugong Zhaoye lifted his eyes toward him. His expression remained calm and unruffled, his gaze absolute and unquestionable, yet carrying a strange kind of steady reassurance. “Dead.”

Ordinarily, Wei Fu spent so much time before the throne that controlling his emotions had become instinct. Even if gratitude overwhelmed him, he ought to have suppressed it until he left the hall. But his eyes immediately softened. Perhaps he simply no longer wanted to restrain himself. In a quiet voice, he said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Yugong Zhaoye replied, “No need. It was merely convenient.”

Mu Heng could finally endure no more and cleared his throat loudly.

Zhong Yi had been suppressing a smile. After receiving a glare from the emperor, he had no choice but to step in. “Your Highness, please explain the entire sequence from the beginning.”

Yugong Zhaoye said, “Around eight years ago, Song Man used the alias Li Shen and went to Zhoujin City in Longsha to conduct tea business. Six years ago, Yanyuan launched a massive invasion of our country. After failing repeatedly to conquer Zhoujin City, Song Man and his accomplices poisoned the city’s water supply and spread disease inside the walls, coordinating with the enemy army from within and without. Zhoujin City consequently fell, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians died.”

“His hands were stained with countless blood debts, yet under the protection of the Yanyuan army he escaped successfully and left Longsha before Yanyuan was defeated. Later, Bihua was ordered to investigate what had happened in Zhoujin City and began tracking his whereabouts.” “It took roughly two years before they located a merchant named Song Ying in Weizhou City, Dongyu, who had changed his identity.”

“The man was exceptionally cunning and suspicious and traveled with highly skilled guards. When Bihua prepared to capture him, he somehow detected the danger in advance. He carefully staged his own death, slipped away like a cicada shedding its shell, and fled to Xiling.”

“Those years were chaotic. The Ten Aspects Sect had been forced underground, while Bihua was too occupied elsewhere to spare the attention. Protected by his elder brother Huyan Zhao, Song Man managed to establish himself in Xiling.”

Zhong Yi asked, “Song Man had already lived in Xiling for three years. How did Your Highness find him again?”

“In order to escape pursuit, he altered his appearance and became far more cautious and secretive than before,” Yugong Zhaoye said. “For years, Longsha believed he was already dead. But last year, he returned to his old habits and used one of his cloth shops to abduct a young woman.”

“The girl’s parents had died during the war, and the siblings had been separated. She was taken in by her maternal uncle and brought to Yongning City in Xiling, while her younger brother became a servant in an official household. Once the boy finally settled down, he searched everywhere for his sister. Just when they had finally reunited and he was preparing to bring her back to Longsha, he suddenly received news of what had happened.”

“The younger brother begged his masters to rescue her. They realized something was suspicious and eventually reported the matter to the palace. His Majesty then ordered me to investigate carefully. We suspected the culprits might be remnants of the Ten Aspects Sect, so we stationed people in Xianglian City for several months and eventually confirmed Song Man’s identity.”

He did not elaborate on how Song Man had ultimately been dealt with. Everyone present understood perfectly well. By unspoken agreement, they all skipped past that part and spared Mu Heng the trouble of deciding whether he ought to prosecute Yugong Zhaoye for murder and arson.

Wei Fu suddenly asked, “Then… was his sister rescued in the end?”

Yugong Zhaoye nodded. Since the matter involved Yeguang, he could not explain the details too openly. “We intercepted the caravan before it entered Yanyuan. Everyone who had been taken was returned home. The siblings now live in Zhoujin City.”

Wei Fu gave a soft “Mm,” visibly relieved. His eyes brightened, and he flashed Yugong Zhaoye a quick smile.

“Your Highness is truly righteous,” Zhong Yi sighed. “We are ashamed by comparison.”

“You flatter me, Commander Zhong,” Yugong Zhaoye said. “A thief may steal for a thousand days, but no one can guard against thieves for a thousand days. The Ten Aspects Sect also acts with exceptional secrecy. If Longsha had not already suffered such bitter lessons, we would never have reacted so quickly.”

Zhong Yi asked again, “Then was the murder of Xu Shifu, proprietor of Tongshi Apothecary, also carried out by Your Highness?”

Yugong Zhaoye had spoken an unusual amount in one stretch and took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. “No. Barring something unexpected, the apothecary proprietor was killed over a private grudge. Xu Shifu served under Huyan Zhao, Song Man’s elder brother. The two met that night. I obtained clues from Song Man and went there to deal with Huyan Zhao. Unfortunately, I arrived one step too late. Xu Shifu had already been murdered.”

“With both Huyan brothers dead and Gu Pingchuan captured, the Ten Aspects Sect in Xiling is now leaderless. This is the perfect opportunity to uproot it completely.” He looked toward Zhong Yi and Mu Heng and spoke briefly but with great seriousness. “Gu Pingchuan dared to use Sulü Qingtie’s identity, which means he must know many secrets. The more foolish he pretends to be, the more important his true identity probably is. Please handle him with the utmost caution. Do not release a tiger back into the mountains.”

Mu Heng gave a slight nod. Zhong Yi said, “Many thanks to Your Highness for speaking so candidly today and resolving a major mystery for us. Now that we understand the truth, the Egret Guard will certainly pry Gu Pingchuan’s mouth open. Please rest assured.”

Mu Heng slowly exhaled. “As for the Red Fever you mentioned, I will send people to investigate it thoroughly. This matter has enormous consequences. Yanyuan will never completely abandon such a lethal weapon. Who knows where they may still be hiding it—perhaps somewhere deep in a mountain forest.” “If Longsha lacks the strength to deal with it alone, there is no need to stand on ceremony with me. Xiling is willing to lend you a hand.”

Yugong Zhaoye rose and bowed. “Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

“And Shuchen,” Mu Heng added, “you understand the stakes involved without my needing to explain further. You must devote yourself fully to assisting Prince Yugong. Under no circumstances can Yanyuan’s poison be allowed to spread throughout the world.”

Wei Fu also bowed. “This subject obeys Your Majesty’s decree.”

At last, the discussion came to an end. An attendant entered to report that several ministers sought an audience, and Mu Heng dismissed them. “I originally intended to keep you for an imperial banquet today and send off Prince Yugong and Shuchen properly. But while waiting for Chuiyun to finish sparring earlier, I already ate my fill. So if anyone is to blame, blame Chuiyun. As punishment, you can escort them out for me.”

Everyone smiled. Zhong Yi answered with a grin, “This subject accepts the punishment. I take my leave.”

The group saluted and prepared to depart. Just as they reached the door, Mu Heng suddenly called, “Prince Yugong, stay a moment.”

Wei Fu stopped too. Zhong Yi immediately slung an arm around his shoulders and pushed him over the threshold, whispering, “You’re about to leave for three years. His Majesty surely has a few private words to say. If you insist on standing there, how is he supposed to say them?”

The two did not go far and stopped beneath the shaded eaves outside the hall. Zhong Yi said, “I still haven’t congratulated you on finally getting what you wanted. Fortunately, I made it back in time.” Looking toward the distant green roof tiles and sweeping eaves, he sighed. “In the past, you were always in the palace at His Majesty’s side, so I could remain at ease even when I was away. Now that you’ll be gone for three years, suddenly it feels strangely unfamiliar.”

Wei Fu had not originally felt particularly sorrowful about leaving, but Zhong Yi’s words stirred something inside him. He suppressed the sudden sting in his nose and forced a smile. “Wasn’t it all because I cried and rolled around until His Majesty agreed? In the future, I won’t be around to anger him anymore. Chuiyun, you and His Majesty must take good care of yourselves.”

“I know. You need to look after your health abroad too. If anything happens, remember to write home.” Zhong Yi patted his shoulder firmly. “His Majesty may not say it aloud, but he’ll certainly worry about you constantly. If you write to him often, then I’ll know you’re doing well too.”

They had exchanged only a few sentences when Yugong Zhaoye emerged. Quite naturally, he came to Zhong Yi’s side and reclaimed Wei Fu.

Wei Fu glanced back once toward the hall but saw no Mu Heng, only the edge of a screen. Pulling himself together, he said to Zhong Yi, “No need to escort us farther. Go back and accompany His Majesty. His Highness and I will leave together. We’re not going to get lost.”

Zhong Yi’s gaze passed lightly over the two of them. He did not insist and merely smiled freely. “Then I wish you both a safe journey.”

Led by an attendant walking ahead with lowered eyes, the two men proceeded side by side through the long, quiet palace corridors. Wei Fu asked curiously, “What did His Majesty say to you just now?”

“Not much.” Yugong Zhaoye rolled one shoulder and answered casually. “He more or less made it clear that he knows my identity, told me to protect you, warned me to watch out for retaliation from Yanyuan… Oh, and he also asked me to be tolerant.”

Wei Fu blinked. “Tolerant of what?”

Yugong Zhaoye turned and looked at him. The answer in his eyes could hardly have been clearer: You still have the nerve to ask? “I find it strange too,” Yugong Zhaoye said. “Usually at times like this, shouldn’t it be threats and warnings? Something like, ‘If you dare treat him poorly, I’ll flatten Longsha,’ and so on.” The corner of his lips lifted in a distinctly ill-intentioned smile. “It seems His Majesty understands you very well, Young Master Wei.”

Wei Fu protested, “…That’s nothing but malicious slander!”

In truth, Mu Heng had originally intended to give Yugong Zhaoye a few conventional parting instructions. But when the words reached his lips, he reconsidered. Since childhood, Wei Fu had never shown any particular obsession with any person or thing. Except Yugong Zhaoye. Career prospects, official rank, family, old friends… all of them had yielded before him. Wei Fu’s attachment was already charging recklessly toward becoming an obsession. As the saying went, where there was determination, things would eventually succeed. Perhaps the one who truly needed protection was Yugong Zhaoye.

And so His Majesty the Emperor, feeling rather like someone who had accidentally released a fox spirit sealed beneath a pagoda, said to Yugong Zhaoye with a faint trace of guilty unease: “Shuchen is young and inexperienced. If he behaves discourteously in any way, I hope Prince Yugong will be tolerant of him.”

After leaving the palace gates and reaching the carriage, Wei Fu hesitated for a moment before finally voicing the thought he had held back all the way. “Your Highness never once told me that you killed Huyan Zhao.”

Yugong Zhaoye lazily raised one brow. “What? Did you want to attend his funeral?”

Wei Fu: “…”

Whenever this man deliberately changed the subject, it meant he was avoiding the important point. Wei Fu refused to let him escape. “If today’s conversation hadn’t happened to touch on it, were you planning to hide it for the rest of your life and never mention it at all?”

“What need is there to deliberately bring up something so unpleasant?” Yugong Zhaoye replied carelessly. “So you can cry and cry until your tears turn into a Grand Canal, then the entire delegation can sail back to Longsha on it? Forget it. I get seasick.”

Wei Fu: “…”

He finally gave up on digging any deeper. Opening his arms, eyes already misted with a faint layer of moisture, he quietly requested, “Hug me.”

Yugong Zhaoye: “…”

Wei Fu had developed all the habits of a bureaucrat. Asking permission was merely a formality. Before Yugong Zhaoye could even nod, Wei Fu had already leaned forward and embraced him.

Perhaps because Wei Fu was too tall, the gesture looked less like an ordinary embrace and more like he had simply gathered Yugong Zhaoye’s entire person into his arms.

Yugong Zhaoye turned his face aside so his nose would not bump into Wei Fu’s shoulder and sighed softly. “I get wall-sick.”