Futile Devices Scans

Mu Heng heard this and gradually understood why Yu Gong Zhao Ye had asked that earlier question.

He had thought he already understood what sort of thing the Ten Aspects Sect was: using legitimate businesses as a cover while carrying out fraud and deception, blending into the common people, acting in secret, no different from ordinary bandits, perhaps even colluding with them. A force like that would be suppressed in any dynasty. For the sake of the people’s livelihood and stability, and to prevent it from taking root and growing stronger, eradicating the Ten Aspects Sect was imperative.

But after hearing Yu Gong Zhao Ye’s account, and connecting it to the major cases that had recently occurred in Fengdu, Mu Heng revised his understanding of the Ten Aspects Sect entirely—it was no longer a simple folk cult, but a monster symbiotically intertwined with Yan Yuan. Every action it took represented the will of that nation’s ruler, just as the Egret Guards did for Xiling, and Bihua had for Longsha.

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

The Red Fever plague, which should only spread in warm regions, had been modified so it could spread in cold climates. Had the Ten Aspects Sect already mastered control over this plague? Did they possess other drugs or weapons? Such modifications could not possibly have been intended for use against their own people. Yan Yuan had annexed Yilin and invaded Longsha—which northern country would they target next?

Something so terrifying in another’s hands was a blade for slaughter… but what if it were held in one’s own hands?

Countless thoughts spun rapidly through his mind before being forcibly suppressed by his rock-solid rationality.

Mu Heng steadied himself and looked coldly at Yu Gong Zhao Ye, thinking that Bihua truly could not be underestimated. This intelligence could practically be called Yan Yuan’s lifeline, yet they had still managed to uncover it. Although Yu Gong Zhao Ye spoke carefully and repeatedly implied that Bihua had already disbanded, there was obviously still a force in Longsha carrying on its legacy, like a beast hunting in the shadows, constantly watching for traces of Yan Yuan.

“It seems Your Highness did not come to Xiling merely to escort the Assistant Chancellor,” Mu Heng said. “What else have you discovered?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied, “The merchant who died in Xianglian City, Song Man, was actually named Hu Yan Mo, a native of Yan Yuan. His true identity was a covert agent planted abroad by the Ten Aspects Sect to expand their influence. His usual methods involved using trading companies as a shell to establish footholds locally, attract followers, gather intelligence for Yan Yuan, and amass wealth. Through merchant routes, he also collected ‘True Spirits’ from various regions and transported them back to Yan Yuan for the nobles’ enjoyment.”

“This man had an older brother, Hu Yan 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…”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye lifted his eyes toward him. His expression remained calm and unruffled, his gaze unquestionable, yet carrying a strange sort of steady reassurance. He answered succinctly, “Dead.”

Ordinarily, Wei Fu spent so much time before the throne that controlling his emotions had become instinct. Even if he were overwhelmed with gratitude, he ought to hold it in until after leaving the hall. But his eyes softened at once—perhaps because he no longer wanted to restrain himself. In a quiet voice, he said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied, “No need. It was only a matter of convenience.”

Mu Heng finally could not take it anymore and cleared his throat heavily.

Zhong Yi, who had been suppressing a smile, was glared at by him and could only step in to remind them, “Your Highness, please explain the full sequence of events from the beginning.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye said, “Around eight years ago, Song Man, under the alias Li Shen, went to Longsha’s Zhoujin City to conduct tea business. Six years ago, Yan Yuan launched a massive invasion of our country. After failing to conquer Zhoujin City for a long time, Song Man and his accomplices poisoned the city’s water supply and spread plague within the city, coordinating with the enemy army from inside and outside. As a result, Zhoujin City fell, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians perished.”

“His hands were stained with countless blood debts, yet under the protection of the Yan Yuan army he escaped smoothly, leaving Longsha before Yan Yuan was defeated. Later, Bihua was ordered to investigate the matter in Zhoujin City and began tracking his whereabouts.”

“It took about two years before they found a merchant called Song Ying in Weizhou City of Dongyu, where he had changed identities.”

“This man was extremely cunning and suspicious, and traveled with highly skilled guards. When Bihua prepared to capture him, he somehow sensed the danger in advance and meticulously staged his own death, successfully shedding his skin like a cicada and fleeing to Xiling.”

“Those years were turbulent. The Ten Aspects Sect was forced into hiding, and Bihua was too occupied to spare attention. With the protection of his elder brother Hu Yan Zhao, Song Man managed to settle in Xiling.”

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

“In order to evade pursuit, he altered his appearance and became more restrained and secretive than before,” Yu Gong Zhao Ye said. “For years, Longsha believed this man was already dead. But last year he returned to his old habits and used one of his cloth shops to abduct a young girl.”

“The girl’s parents had died in war, and the siblings were 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’s household. After the boy finally settled down, he searched everywhere for his sister. Just when they had reunited and he was about to bring her back to Longsha, he suddenly heard the tragic news.”

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

He did not elaborate on how Song Man had ultimately been dealt with, and everyone present understood perfectly well. By tacit agreement, they all skipped past that part, sparing Mu Heng the trouble of deciding whether to prosecute him for murder and arson.

Wei Fu suddenly asked, “Then… was his sister ultimately rescued?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye nodded. Since the matter concerned Yeguang, he could not explain too much in detail. “We intercepted the caravan before it entered Yan Yuan. The captives were all returned home. The siblings now live in Zhoujin City.”

Wei Fu gave a soft “Mm,” visibly relieved. His eyes shone brightly as he flashed Yu Gong Zhao Ye a quick smile.

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

“You flatter me, Commander Zhong,” Yu Gong Zhao Ye said. “A thief may steal for a thousand days, but no one can guard against thieves for a thousand days. Besides, the Ten Aspects Sect acts with extreme secrecy. If Longsha had not already suffered bitter lessons before, we would not have reacted so quickly either.”

Zhong Yi asked again, “Then was the assassination of Tongshi Pharmacy’s shopkeeper Xu Shifu also carried out by Your Highness?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye, having spoken unusually much in one stretch, took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. “No. If nothing unexpected occurred, the pharmacy owner was killed over a personal grudge. Xu Shifu served under Hu Yan Zhao, Song Man’s elder brother. The two met that night. I obtained clues from Song Man and came to deal with Hu Yan Zhao. Unfortunately, I was one step too late. Xu Shifu had already been murdered by the time I arrived.”

“With the Hu Yan brothers dead and Gu Pingchuan captured, the Ten Aspects Sect in Xiling is now leaderless. This is the perfect opportunity to wipe them out completely.” He looked toward Zhong Yi and Mu Heng and spoke briefly but solemnly. “Since Gu Pingchuan dared to use Su Lü Qingtie’s identity, he certainly knows many secrets. The more he pretends to be foolish, the more important his true identity must be. Please handle him with the utmost caution. Do not let the tiger return to the mountains.”

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

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

Yu Gong Zhao Ye rose and bowed. “Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

“And Shuchen,” Mu Heng added, “you understand the stakes involved here without my needing to explain further. You must devote yourself fully to assisting Prince Yu Gong. Under no circumstances can Yan Yuan’s poison be allowed to spread across 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 announce that ministers sought audience, and Mu Heng dismissed them. “I originally intended to hold a banquet today to send off Prince Yu Gong and Shuchen, 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 may 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 when Mu Heng suddenly called out, “Prince Yu Gong, stay a moment.”

Wei Fu halted as well upon hearing this, but Zhong Yi slung an arm around his shoulders and pushed him over the threshold in a low voice. “You’re about to leave. His Majesty surely has a few private words to say. If you insist on standing there, how’s he supposed to say them?”

The two did not go far, stopping beneath the shaded eaves outside the hall.

Zhong Yi said, “I still haven’t congratulated you on finally getting your wish. Fortunately, I made it back in time.” Looking toward the distant green roof tiles and flying eaves, he sighed. “In the past, thanks to you always remaining in the palace by His Majesty’s side, I could stay at ease even while away outside. But now that you’ll be gone for three years, it suddenly feels strangely unfamiliar.”

Wei Fu had not originally felt much sorrow over parting, but Zhong Yi’s words stirred it up. He suppressed the sudden sting in his nose and forced a smile. “Wasn’t it all because I cried and rolled around begging His Majesty? In the future I’ll stop angering him. Chuiyun, you and His Majesty must take good care of yourselves.”

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

Only a few exchanges later, Yu Gong Zhao Ye emerged. Very naturally, he came over to Zhong Yi’s side and “claimed” Wei Fu away.

Wei Fu glanced back once toward the hall but did not see Mu Heng, only the corner of a screen. Pulling himself together, he said to Zhong Yi, “No need to see us off further. Go back and accompany His Majesty. His Highness and I will leave together—we won’t lose our way.”

Zhong Yi’s gaze swept lightly across the two of them. He did not insist, merely smiling freely. “Then I wish you both a safe journey.”

Led by an attendant walking ahead with lowered head, the two walked side by side through the long, quiet palace corridors.

Wei Fu asked curiously, “What did His Majesty say to you just now?”

“Not much,” Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied casually while rolling his shoulder. “He more or less made my identity clear and told me to protect your safety, and to beware of Yan Yuan’s retaliation. Oh, and he also asked me to be tolerant.”

Wei Fu blinked. “Tolerant of what?”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye turned to glance at him, the answer obvious in his eyes—as though saying, You still have the nerve to ask? “I find it strange too. Usually at times like this, shouldn’t it be threats and warnings? Something like, ‘If you fail to treat him with proper respect, I’ll flatten Longsha,’ and so on.” The corner of his lips lifted slightly in a rather ill-intentioned smile. “It seems His Majesty understands you quite deeply, Young Master Wei.”

Wei Fu protested, “…That’s simply alarmist nonsense!”

In truth, Mu Heng had originally intended to say a few conventional parting words. But when the words reached his lips, he reconsidered. Since childhood, Wei Fu had never been especially obsessed with any person or thing—except for Yu Gong Zhao Ye. Career prospects, official rank, family, old friends… all of it had given way before him. His “attachment” was already racing headlong toward becoming an obsession.

As the saying went, “Where there is determination, things will succeed.” Perhaps the one who truly needed protection was Yu Gong Zhao Ye instead.

So His Majesty the Emperor, as though accidentally releasing a fox spirit sealed beneath a pagoda, said to Yu Gong Zhao Ye with a trace of guilty unease, “Shuchen is young and inexperienced. If he commits any discourtesies, I hope Prince Yu Gong will bear with him.”

After leaving the palace gates and arriving before 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 about killing Hu Yan Zhao.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye lazily raised a brow. “What, did you want to attend his funeral?”

Wei Fu: “…”

Whenever this man deliberately changed the subject, it always meant he was avoiding the important point. Wei Fu refused to let it go. “If today’s discussion hadn’t happened to touch on it, were you planning to hide it forever and never mention it at all?”

“What need is there to deliberately bring up such unpleasant matters?” Yu Gong Zhao Ye replied carelessly. “What, so you could cry rivers and turn your tears into a Grand Canal, and then the entire diplomatic delegation could sail back to Longsha by boat? Forget it. I get seasick.”

Wei Fu: “…”

He finally gave up on pressing further. Spreading his arms, eyes glistening with a faint layer of moisture, he quietly requested, “Hug me.”

Yu Gong Zhao Ye: “…”

Wei Fu had developed the habits of a bureaucrat—asking permission was merely a formality. Before Yu Gong Zhao Ye could even nod, he had already leaned forward and embraced him.

But perhaps because he was too tall, the gesture resembled less an embrace and more pulling Yu Gong Zhao Ye entirely into his arms.

Yu Gong Zhao Ye turned his face aside to keep his nose from bumping into Wei Fu’s shoulder and sighed softly.

“I get dizzy around walls.”

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