The Glory After Rebirth [ɇÇ”Ÿä¹‹Å°Šè£] Chapter 79- 81

Chapter 79: Countermeasures

“Just dispatch Yamen runners on whatever pretext you can think of, such as searching for burglars or something like that. Impose a curfew and have Yamen runners patrol the streets every night. Make an excuse to focus the defense on the Lu family. Those bandits will surely have misgivings once they see the defense line. Even if they’re bold enough to launch a frontal attack, we can fight back against the enemies with righteous cause.”

That was right. How come he didn’t think of this! Ling Zhang’s eyes lit up.

As long as they managed to make it through the next half a month, Zhang Chong would be eliminated, and all worries about this issue would be totally unnecessary.

“Most importantly, we can also force Zhang Chong to keep his grievance to himself,” Ling Zhaowen added.

“Zhang Chong?”

Ling Zhaowen smiled, “You forgot the duty of Prefecture Guards? Yamen runners are indeed not enough, but Prefecture Guards are more than enough to handle the bandits, right?”

“I get it,” Ling Zhang said excitedly. When something happened in the city, Prefecture Guards were obliged by law to provide assistance, and Zhang Chong couldn’t refuse. Moreover, Zhang Chong had to stop those bandits from getting into the city. Otherwise, how would residents think of Prefecture Guards?

With this plan, Ling Zhang was relieved.

After the consultation between the two was over, Yuwen Tong arrived.

It was not until Ling Zhang saw Yuwen Tong that he recalled he had to find a way to explain to Yuwen Tong his previous reaction as well as the plan of him and his Uncle. After all, his knowing in advance what Zhang Chong was going to do was the very prerequisite for this plan.

Yuwen Tong, however, was in no hurry. On entering the room, he first greeted Ling Zhaowen. “My men are having their eye on both Zhang Chong and Jia Zhong. If anything happens, we’ll be informed immediately.”

“I’m much obliged to you, marshal.” Ling Zhaowen thanked Yuwen Tong. “We have only ourselves to blame for getting into this mess, yet we put you to so much trouble. I feel deeply ashamed.”

“There’s no need to thank me, Uncle Ling. The Ling family is a benefactor of my family. Since I’m in Tanyang, I won’t let any harm comes to the Ling family.”

Ling Zhang was fretting about how he should explain himself to Yuwen Tong, but it turned out that Yuwen Tong had no intention of asking him about it at all. After having a brief talk with Ling Zhaowen, he stood up ready to take his leave.

“Uncle, I’m going back as well,” Ling Zhang also hurriedly said as he saw this.

Ling Zhaowen nodded. Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong left, the former following the latter. A rather meaningful smile appeared on Ling Zhaowen’s face as he watched them leaving.

After leaving the courtyard of Uncle Ling, Ling Zhang had been waiting for Yuwen Tong to ask him all along, but Yuwen Tong kept silent all the way.

Finally, when they returned to the Green Bamboo Mansion, Ling Zhang couldn’t help but ask him first, “Was there nothing you wanted to ask me about just now?”

“Aren’t you going to tell me right now?”

So Yuwen Tong had been deliberately waiting for him to run out of patience and tell him on his own account? Ling Zhang was secretly angry with himself for not having been more patient.

“Just now, I saw that Uncle Ling looked unworried. Manifestly you’ve already come up with some kind of countermeasure. Do you need my help?”

Having noticed that there was a ghost of annoyance in his eyes, Yuwen Tong knew that he probably had displeased him, so he stopped teasing Ling Zhang.

Surprisingly, after his annoyance dissolved, Ling Zhang was less anxious and less worried. He knew that he was no match for Yuwen Tong, that Yuwen Tong probably knew all his thoughts.

“Do you still remember I mentioned that my men once found some people, presumably bandits, entered the Prefecture Encampment?”

“I do.”

“I’m afraid Zhang Chong is going to directly adopt coercive measures and try to eliminate my family through the hands of those bandits, so I consulted with my Uncle and we came up with a countermeasure.”

Ling Zhang gave a half-genuine, half-sham account of the matter but had no idea whether Yuwen Tong believed him or not. There was nothing he could deduce from the expression on Yuwen Tong’s face.

“My Uncle will impose a curfew on the pretext of searching for burglars in the city. Then he’ll dispatch patrol teams. Apart from those Yamen runners, the Prefecture Guards will also send some men to help with the defense. In that case, even if Zhang Chong wants to take action, he won’t be able to do it for the moment. Besides, as long as we manage to make it through the next half a month during which Zhang Chong and the Jia family will be eliminated, all problems will be readily solved.”

After hearing his remarks, Yuwen Tong nodded and said, “This countermeasure is pretty good. A lot of trouble will be resolved. But the mere pretext of searching for burglars might not be convincing enough. It would be better if we put on a show.” “Put on a show?” Ling Zhang was confused.

“Imposing a curfew and dispatching a great many of men to catch common burglars is a little dramatic. Zhang Chong probably won’t buy it and might even see through it, but if there’s bloodshed, it will be a different story, since ferocious and outrageous burglars are far more convincing.”

“But how can we make sure that it’s only acting? That nobody dies? We may find more helpers, but the more people involved, the higher the risk of leak.”

“All you have to do is tell me the target. I’ll have my men handle the rest.”

Ling Zhang had a sudden inspiration. “Okay. I’ll consult with my Uncle and give you a reply later.”

Yuwen Tong had no objection to this.

Ling Zhang went back to Ling Zhaowen’s place and told him Yuwen Tong’s suggestion.

Ling Zhaowen smiled, “Marshal Yuwen’s reputation is not unwarranted. Even the way he does things is more discreet. Where do you think is the most suitable target?”

“Let’s ask Uncle Lu for help. It will also make a convenient excuse to have Yamen runners focus defense on the Lu family. We can even request Yamen runners to stay in the Lu family. Besides, there will be a lot of people going to the Lu family to offer their condolences, which will make it even more difficult for them to do whatever it is they want to do to the Lu family.”

Watching Ling Zhang in gratification, Ling Zhaowen said, “Then let’s do this your way. I’ll tell Lu Kui the plan.”

“Do it as soon as possible, Uncle. I’m afraid Yuwen Tong needs to make some arrangements. If there’s too little time, they might not be able to make enough preparations.”

“Rest assured. I’ll go to the Lu family right away.”

“Then I’ll have Wang Dashan take a few guards to escort you there.”

Ling Zhang went to his dwelling in the Guards’ yards and told Wang Dashan to bring his men to escort Ling Zhaowen. Then he exhaled in relief. Finally, half of this issue was resolved.

“Young master, are you teaching us today?” Qiu Bing ran over and asked.

“I am. I’ll tell Captain Wang and the others when they return.”

In the Green Bamboo Mansion, a guard saw that Ling Zhang was teaching those guards again. He went to Yuwen Tong and reported, “Marshal, Childe Ling is teaching those security guards again.”

On hearing this, Yao Yi said to Yuwen Tong, “Marshal, Second Master Ling has also just left the house. It’s said that he was heading for the Lu family. Why do you think Childe Ling was so sure that Zhang Chong would collude with bandits to attack the Ling family?”

“The Ling family is a local family here in Tanyang, so it’s normal that they have some sources of intelligence that we don’t know about,” Yuwen Tong said with a calm look. “Go and make some arrangements for what I just bade you to do. When people of the Ling family are ready, cooperate with them and make sure nothing goes awry during the acting.”

“Yes.”

After an hour, Ling Zhaowen returned and told Ling Zhang that he had consulted with the Lu family, that they could start the cooperation once Yuwen Tong’s men were ready.

“Great. I’ll tell Yuwen Tong right away.”

Ling Zhang hurriedly went back to the Green Bamboo Mansion and said to Yuwen Tong, “We found our cooperator. It’s the Lu family.”

As if not having known anything about this in advance at all, Yuwen Tong bade Yao Yi to make arrangements once again in front of Ling Zhang. Yao Yi obediently took the order without any changes of his expression.

“We can do this tonight.”

“So soon? I’ll send someone to-“

“Just sit down and have a rest. Yao Yi, go and inform Uncle Ling.”

“Yes.”

Fairly concerned, Ling Zhang still wanted to do it himself.

“Both your Uncle and the one you called Uncle Lu are not three-year-old children. Certainly they can handle this small issue.”

After hearing this, Ling Zhang forbore from going. He lowered his head to look at his partially sweat-soaked clothes and said in embarrassment, “I’ll go and change my clothes.”

“Okay.”

Ling Zhang returned to his room and changed. Though everything had been planned out, he kept having this feeling that he seemed to have overlooked something.

After changing clothes, he was about to go next door when suddenly he recalled what he had overlooked. “Xia Feng, go and get Liu Yi. Tell him that there’s something I want him to do.”

Xia Feng hurriedly left. Before long, Liu Yi arrived. “Young master, what can I do for you?”

“You and Captain Wang have to stay sharp at night in the next few days. It’s very likely that those people we’ve been expecting will show up.”

Liu Yi was secretly startled. “Did Childe have any messages?”

“Kind of. Anyway, you must keep your eyes peeled and stay vigilant during the next few days. If my deduction is right, those people will definitely show up.”

“Yes, young master. Captain Wang and I will keep our eyes skinned.”

If things went well, this time he would be able to find out which gang those bandits in direct collusion with Zhang Chong belonged to!

On that very night…

“Can I go with you?” Ling Zhang asked, watching Yuwen Tong with a pleasantly surprised look on his face.

Yuwen Tong said that he could bring Ling Zhang to the Lu family, which was a pleasant surprise for Ling Zhang, since he had thought that he would have to wait at home in boredom.

“Of course, but you have to change into night-suit first.”

The so-called night-suit Ling Zhang changed into was in fact merely an outfit of a dark color. He didn’t have any pitch-black clothes like those worn by Yao Yi and others.

The outfit was fairly skintight, which not only accentuated his figure but also provided a perfect foil for his white skin. In the candlelight, his skin stood out in sharp, almost dazzling relief against the clothes.

“What’s the matter? Do I look weird?”

Upon seeing that Yuwen Tong was staring at him, Ling Zhang mistakenly believed that he looked strange in that outfit. Somewhat awkwardly, he said, “I don’t have any night-suits. This outfit…”

“This outfit is pretty good,” Yuwen Tong said. After walking around Ling Zhang with his eyes fixed on his neck, he withdrew his gaze and said, “Let’s go. It’s about time.”

…

The Lu family was located in the southern part of the city, actually not very far away from the Ling family. Unlike the Ling family which had a simple family structure, the Lu family was a large family with numerous members. Lu Kui alone had three sons and four daughters.

The one who was going to cooperate with them in the trick was Lu Kui himself. Originally, Mrs. Lu volunteered to help but her offer was declined. After all, Mrs. Lu was a woman and there were some things inconvenient for her to do. Besides, there might be some unfavorable rumors if she got involved in this.

“To prevent divulgence, currently my wife and my father are the only ones aware of this in my family apart from me, so there might be confusion and disorder in my home when it happens.”

“Rest assured, Uncle Lu. My Uncle will come here to help you keep things under control in your home as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” Lu Kui nodded solemnly. “Then what should I do now?”

“This is Guard Yao. Just do whatever he tells you to.”

Ling Zhang signaled Yao Yi to come over and introduced him to Lu Kui.

“Rest assured, County Magistrate Lu. We’ll fake a wound on you, which requires some disguise skills. When the operation starts, we’ll give you a pill which will temporarily send you into suspended animation. Your breathing will be undetectably weak and nobody will be able to find out that you’re still alive.”

Of course, this kind of means was miraculous and mysterious in Lu Kui’s eyes. He had only heard some rumors about it in the past but had never expected that the medicine, which could send people into suspended animation when ingested, did exist.

“Okay, then. Thank you, Guard Yao,” he said.

From start to finish, Yuwen Tong, who had been standing beside Ling Zhang all along, kept silent. Lu Kui just thoughtfully flicked a glimpse at him but sensibly asked no questions.

Chapter 80: The Theft in the Lu Family and the ‘Death’ of Lu Kui

Late at night, when the whole Tanyang was in a deathly hush, a sudden dismal screech emanated from the mansion of the Lu family in the southern part of the city.

“A man was killed!”

“Somebody help us! Burglars! Master was assassinated!”

“Clang! Clang! Clang!”

Brass gongs were sounded, and the whole Tanyang was alarmed. At this late hour, bursts of crying issuing from the mansion of the Lu family sent chills down people’s spines.

“Goodness me. How did this happen? Those bandits and burglars have already entered the city?”

“Check the doors and windows. Make sure they’re all firmly locked. Move that cabinet here to block this door!”

Soon, the whole Tanyang was thrown into confusion and chaos. Many residents got up and, too concerned to light their candles or lamps, hurried to check their windows and doors, blocking the gates with heavy furniture.

Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong, who were standing on the rooftop of a high pavilion in the backyard of the Lu family, could almost see three-quarter Tanyang. They could also faintly hear noises coming from all sides.

Ling Zhang felt a little guilty about frightening so many residents, but his sense of guilt lasted only a brief moment.

The clanging of gong indicated that the one sounding it was heading directly for the Prefecture Yamen. Before long, all Yamen runners on the night shift were dispatched. About eleven or twelve people rushed towards the mansion of the Lu family located in the southern part of the city.

“There.” Ling Zhang stared at a moving luminous spot in the distance. That was lighted torches held by Yamen runners.

Children of the Lu family were also woken up, crying out loud. They were totally unaware of what was really going on, and their heartache was real, which was why their weep sounded exceptionally heart-rending.

Standing on the rooftop, Ling Zhang stared down at the chaotic situation in the Lu family, his eyes gradually growing thoughtful. Maybe on that night in his last incarnation, the Lu family was in even deeper confusion and horror as cacodemon-like bandits broke into their houses killing everybody on sight regardless of their age and gender.

“They’re here.”

Yuwen Tong’s voice came into his ears. Ling Zhang, who was abruptly brought back from his recollection, gazed forward and found that staff members of the Prefecture Yamen had already arrived.

“What happened?” the Yamen runner heading the team asked.

“Officer, a burglar intruded into our master’s study. Our master happened to be sleeping in the study and was killed by the burglar!” the butler of the Lu family hastily ran out and said in a tearful voice, weeping.

“What? Lead us to the scene right now.” Shocked, Yamen runners strode towards the depths of the mansion of the Lu family.

Lu Kui’s study was in a mess with blood all over. Lu Kui was lying right on the floor. There were several saber wounds in his body. The fatal one was in his abdomen, which was caused by a saber that had gone straight through him.

A Yamen runner put a finger before Lu Kui’s nostrils to check his breathing. Then with a frown, he stood up, his eyes sweeping around the study which had been rummaged.

“Little Three, Little Four, go back and report this case to Lord Tao. Request him to issue an order to conduct a citywide hunt for the murderer immediately. In addition, send someone to inform Lord Ling.”

“Yes, sir!”

Mrs. Lu nearly cried herself to faint. She was sitting on the ground against the door, weeping bitter tears of grief. Upon seeing that the Yamen runner confirmed Lu Kui’s ‘death’, she was secretly relieved and started crying even louder.

“What a goddamn burglar! Why did you kill my husband? My darling, what a tragic fate you had!”

With his eyebrows knitted, a Yamen runner flicked a glance at Mrs. Lu and said, “I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Lu. Please go outside and have a rest. I promise we’ll find clues, bring the murderer to justice and avenge Lord Lu’s death.”

Crying uncontrollably, Mrs. Lu was guided out of the room by her handmaids.

The Yamen runner performed an intensive search in the study, which took him quite a long time. Then he queried the servant responsible for routine cleaning of the study. After confirming the stolen valuables in general terms, he came to a conclusion.

“All stolen things were expensive carvings made of either gold or jade. It seems that the burglar intruded into the study to steal but was spotted by Lord Lu who was sleeping inside, so he killed him.”

“Guys, search the whole mansion carefully, in case the murderer is still hiding here.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Old Master Lu, please tell your family members not to walk around lest they encounter that murderer.”

Lu Kui’s father, Lu Fengnian, nodded in deep grief and said, “Thank you for kindly reminding us of this.”

With Lu Fengnian’s presence, all members of the Lu family soon gathered together. Servants also collected, trembling, too afraid to go anywhere alone.

Before long, Tao Feng and Ling Zhaowen arrived, bringing half a dozen Yamen runners with them.

The search lasted until daybreak, Yamen runners checked everywhere in the mansion of the Lu family, but other than bloodstained footprints on the wall of the backyard, they didn’t find anything suspicious. Following the string of footprints, they went outside and checked the perimeter but there was no other trace.

Due to this horrific murder, Tao Feng’s face was extremely sullen. He ordered a four-hour delay in opening the city gate and a citywide hunt for the murderer.

All residents of Tanyang were jittery, discussions on the matter of the Lu family everywhere.

Naturally, people of the Jia family also heard the news. At first, Jia Zhong was stunned, but then he burst into laugh. “This is great news! With his death, I got one fewer enemy standing in my way! What a divine intervention!” Having had enough laugh, he said with a regretful look, “It’s a pity. Why wasn’t it Ling Zhaowen who was killed?”

“My lord, Lu Kui’s death means that you got a chance to compete for the position of the Right Tongzhi. Though Ling Zhaowen is still alive, will it not be easy for you to finish him after you take office?”

“Humph! It seems that I have to let Ling Zhaowen live for a few more days. He’s such a lucky dog!”

Four hours later, there was still no clue to the whereabouts of the burglar who committed the murder, but Tao Feng had no choice but to give the order to open the city gate.

However, the citywide hunt was unaffected by this. There were also ten Yamen runners in the Lu family on duty in case the burglar returned.

When the news reached Zhang Chong, it was accompanied by Tao Feng’s request.

“Lu Kui was killed? How did it happen?” His bodyguards standing beside him were astounded.

Zhang Chong’s face was dark with rage. “He could have died either earlier or later, but he stupidly died right at this time! Damn it!”

“I wonder which gang that burglar belongs to. This is so unruly.”

“I don’t care which gang he belongs to. Have your men send word out. Tell them to find that guy. I’ll skin him alive!”

Zhang Chong angrily smacked his fist down onto the table which instantly broke apart.

The bodyguard’s eyelids twitched with fear. He unnoticeably drew back a little further away and said, “Yes. I’ll do it right off.”

“Captain, take a hundred man and follow me to the city.”

After his anger subsided, with a sepulchral look on his face, Zhang Chong stood up and walked outside. After a 100-men team was formed, he quickly led the team out of the encampment, heading directly for Tanyang.

People of the Lu family had already built a mourning hall, in which the coffin containing Lu Kui’s body was placed.

When Zhang Chong arrived, Ling Zhang, as the eldest son of the Ling family, was condoling with members of the Lu family in the hall along with his uncle.

“Commander Zhang, please make sure the murderer gets his just deserts and our master’s death is avenged!” the butler of the Lu family cried.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lu, who was weeping with her head down in the hall, briefly moved her eyes sideways, then turned around to face Zhang Chong and knelt down before him, saying, “Commander Zhang, please help us get justice!”

Ling Zhang and Ling Zhaowen exchanged glances and then both of them quietly drew back to the side.

Zhang Chong, who had already put on a sorrowful face, said, “Rest assured, Mrs. Lu. As Commander of Prefecture Guard, I promise I’ll bring the murderer to justice and avenge Lord Lu’s death!”

His words sounded earnest, but his fierce-looking face ruined the ‘grief’ he affected, making him seem somewhat hideous.

“Commander Zhang, I’m relieved to hear your promise.” Lu Fengnian also walked out.

“Old Master Lu, I’m sorry for your loss. You can trust me with the hunt for the murderer.” Zhang Chong said to Lu Fengnian.

“Alas. Tanyang had been in peace all along under the protection of Prefecture Guards. Nobody could have expected that a ruffian would intrude into the Lu family to steal, and he even took Lord Lu’s life.”

“That’s true. Isn’t this a great humiliation for the Prefecture Guards?”

A guest, who had come here to express his condolences, mumbled. The look on Zhang Chong’s face went colder and colder.

“May I check Lord Lu’s body?”

“Please go ahead, Commander Zhang. A post-mortem examiner came here and performed an autopsy this morning. He said that the murderer slashed my son four times in a row, and then stabbed him after seeing that he was still alive…” Lu Fengnian was unable to continue, his face full of deep grief.

After making a comforting remark, Zhang Chong walked up to the coffin, stooped down to check Lu Kui’s body and didn’t stop until he confirmed that the wounds in Lu Kui matched Lu Fengnian’s description.

“Old Master Lu, would you mind if I take a look at Lord Lu’s study?”

“Of course not. Let me show you the way, Commander Zhang.”

Lu Fengnian led Zhang Chong out of the mourning hall. While leaving the hall, Zhang Chong flicked a glance at Ling Zhang and Ling Zhaowen.

Ling Zhang calmly made eye contact with him, while Ling Zhaowen ignored him.

The look in Zhang Chong’s eyes went cold and with that he followed Lu Fengnian and left.

Yuwen Tong’s guards had put some efforts into faking the murder scene, so Zhang Chong didn’t find any questionable points in the study. The blood on the floor hadn’t been cleaned yet, and the smell of it was still lingering in the air.

“What did the burglar steal?”

Lu Fengnian named five valuable items.

“So he came here for money?”

“Yes. By some unlucky chance, my son kept reading and commenting on documents in this study until very late last night, and he chose to sleep right here. Otherwise he wouldn’t have encountered that ruffian.”

“Who know about these valuables in this study?”

“Well, the existence of these things in this room was never a secret. Apart from people living in this mansion, those who have visited us also know it.”

The range of possible suspects was too wide, which made it difficult to investigate.

If there was a mole in the Lu family, the burglar definitely would have been informed that Lu Kui would sleep in the study that night.

With a frown, Zhang Chong left. Having failed to find any clue, he appeared very angry.

Others mistakenly believed that he was angry at the murderer, but Ling Zhang was well aware of the reason for his anger. He slightly lowered his eyes to conceal the cold look in them.

Lu Kui was a county magistrate and his death mattered much. Even Zhang Chong didn’t dare to close the case in a careless manner, since public indignation might be aroused if he did so. As a result, he had no choice but to dispatch some soldiers of the Prefecture Guards to the city to perform the citywide murder hunt with Yamen runners as well as patrol the streets at night and enforce the curfew.

“It’s done,” Ling Zhang said to Yuwen Tong after they returned to the Ling family. “Currently, Zhang Chong has to do it this way. Since his plan has already been delayed till this day, even if he wants to carry it out, he won’t be able to find the chance.”

“Incidentally, how did you make Uncle Lu’s body cold? Even Zhang Chong failed to see it through.”

Ling Zhang asked Yuwen Tong out of curiosity. Back then when Zhang Chong stretched his hand into the coffin, he was so worried Zhang Chong might find out the truth that his heart nearly stopped beating, but it turned out that Zhang Chong didn’t find anything. He had to admit that the skills of Yuwen Tong’s subordinates were so amazing.

“This is an occult skill. Yao Yi and his men were masters of it. If you’re interested, I can have them teach you, but it’s not something that could be mastered in a short time. Do you want to learn it?”

Chapter 81: Getting Wind of It

Of course he wanted to learn this. It was such a fantastic camouflage skill. Ling Zhang nearly blurted “Yes”, but eventually he forbore to do so after some rational thinking. There were too many unresolved issues waiting for him to address at the moment, and he had no time to learn this skill.

“I don’t have much time.”

Yuwen Tong was not surprised by Ling Zhang’s refusal at all. He said, “It’s okay. You may learn it in the future. After you take enough medicated baths, I’ll teach you something else. Currently, it is indeed not the wisest choice for you to be distracted by the learning of this kind of skill which is of less significance.”

“Something else?” Ling Zhang was confused. Were there by any chance any other methods apart from taking medicated baths and unblocking his meridians with Yuwen Tong’s internal energy?

“There are some special breathing exercises. They will not only prove beneficial to your meridians but also facilitate your cultivation of internal energy as long as you keep practicing them.”

Cultivation of internal energy? Ling Zhang thought that he must have just misheard. “Are you saying that I can cultivate internal energy like you?”

“Yes,” Yuwen Tong said. He could totally understand why Ling Zhang was shocked.

Ling Zhang was in not only shock but also delight. Originally he had started practicing horse stance and boxing from Wang Dashan merely to build himself up, but now Yuwen Tong told him that he could cultivate internal energy, which was such a temptation for Ling Zhang!

“I want to learn them!” Ling Zhang nodded unhesitatingly for fear that Yuwen Tong might change his mind.

Watching Yuwen Tong with an expectant look in his eyes, Ling Zhang had no idea at all that his eager face bore a close resemblance to that of Ada.

Yuwen Tong’s fingers briefly twitched. He wanted to draw Ling Zhang over and hug him but eventually restrained himself from doing so.

“You need to take seven medicated baths in total. And then I’ll teach you how to perform those special breathing exercises.”

“Okay!”

He took a medicated bath every other day, which meant that he would be able to start learning those breathing exercises in less than half a month! As Ling Zhang thought of what he would start doing after half a month, a fever of excitement involuntarily surged inside him.

On account of this, he drastically changed his attitude towards Yuwen Tong, waiting on him hand and foot, by which even Yuwen Tong’s bodyguards were amazed.

“Exactly how did Marshal manage to do this? It’s been such a short time, but Childe Ling’s attitude makes him seem like another person.”

“If Marshal invites Childe Ling to the capital with him this time, surely Childe Ling is going to agree, I suppose?”

“I imagine he’s going to say yes.”

“Marshal’s reputation is well-earned. People like us will never be a patch on him.”

As his subordinates gazed at him in admiration, Yuwen Tong began to enjoy Ling Zhang’s solicitous care Ling Zhang accorded him. It happened to be lunch time and the dining table was full of delicious food that had been prepared under Ling Zhang’s supervision. He told Yuwen Tong that these courses were the most famous specials of Tanyang, and also gave Yuwen Tong a guarantee that they would lead him to endless aftertastes.

Beneath Ling Zhang’s ardent gaze, Yuwen Tong blandly picked up a piece of fresh and tender tofu with his chopsticks and sent it into his mouth.

“What do you think? Is it delicious? The tofu was stewed in the freshest and thickest chicken soup, and all spices used to season it are specific to Tanyang, which made it tender, smooth and tasty!”

Yuwen Tong nodded and said, “Not bad.”

“Have a taste of this. It’s venison. Unlike recipes adopted in those restaurants on the streets, the culinary method for this dish used by my family chef, whose family has been in catering industry for generations in Tanyang, is peculiar to his family. No outsiders are able to cook venison of this kind of taste.”

Ling Zhang pointed at another course to show Yuwen Tong. They could literally see the tenderness of the venison with naked eyes. The tempting smell of it wafted up into their nostrils, making their mouths water.

Even Yuwen Tong couldn’t help but flick an extra glance at it. After having a taste of it, he made a favorable comment. “It’s truly of great look, delicious smell and terrific taste.”

Ling Zhang gave a smile. “This is pretty good, too. Have a try… “

Every time Ling Zhang recommended a course, Yuwen Tong tasted it, gave a nod and paid it a compliment in a very cooperative manner.

The delicious smells of the tableful of food wafted far away outside. Guards on duty in the Green Bamboo Mansion could hear their bellies grumbling. Though they didn’t see how those dishes looked like, the smells alone made their mouths water. And they found Ling Zhang’s distinct, vivid descriptions simply unbearable.

Facing such tempting delicacies, the Marshal could still calmly make comments on them. His self-control was truly amazing.

“All right. Just sit down and enjoy the meal with me.” After sampling each and every one of those courses, Yuwen Tong drew Ling Zhang onto a chair beside him.

Ling Zhang was indeed hungry. He sat down without any pretence at politeness, took up a pair of chopsticks and had lunch with Yuwen Tong.

While the two people were leisurely having lunch, the atmosphere in the whole Tanyang was still tense. All residents were worried that the burglar who killed Lu Kui the night before might suddenly show up again, so nobody was in the mood for having lunch delightedly like Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong.

In the afternoon, Jia Zhong and Jia Yin arrived at Lu family to express their condolences.

At the sight of tight security, Jia Yin softly snorted.

“I never expected that such an accident would happen. What a pity that Lord Lu’s rare talents were wasted. I think I’ll never be able to meet another man as learned as he was,” said Jia Zhong in a regretful tone, a dejected look on his face.

“Did they catch the thug?”

“Lord Tao and Commander Zhang’s men are performing a citywide hunt. The murderer is still at large, but I never doubted that Lord Tao and Commander Zhang would catch him for Lu family.”

“If there’s anything Jia family can do for you, please let me know, Lord Tao. We’ll do whatever it takes to see justice done!”

“Thank you for your kindness, Lord Jia. I appreciate it. Since Lord Tao and Commander Zhang are on it, I don’t dare to put Lord Jia to trouble.”

Jia Zhong didn’t really mean to help. After hearing Lu Fengnian’s polite refusal, he made a couple of remarks in affected concern and then left with Jia Yin. Before leaving, he specially cast a glance at Lu Kui’s body in the coffin. On confirmation of Lu Kui’s death, he walked out of the hall unhesitatingly.

The moment they were out of Lu family, Jia Zhong couldn’t help burst into laugh. “Fantastic! Simply fantastic!”

But Jia Yin wasn’t as overjoyed as he was. “Due to the murder of this Lu Kui guy, soldiers are searching every house in the city. This is so ominous. You saw it yourself in Lu family – Yamen runners and guards are everywhere, as if Lu family is really of great importance. If I were that burglar, I would never stoop to go back there again.”

“There’s no need to be angry about it, elder brother. Lu family is merely being mean,” said Jia Zhong.

“Isn’t Ling Zhaowen supposed to assume personal command in Lu family? Why wasn’t he there?” asked Jia Yin.

Jia Zhong’s face darkened. “He saw us coming and didn’t dare face us, I suppose.”

“Why didn’t that burglar go to Ling family instead? If it were Ling Zhaowen who got killed, we would have been spared a lot of trouble.”

“No burglars would have found anything worth stealing in the poor Ling family.”

The two brothers of Jia family got onto a carriage and left the mansion of Lu family.

When they returned to their home, Mrs. Jia went up to them and asked, “Is Lu Kui really dead?”

“As dead as mutton,” answered Jia Yin coldly.

As Mrs. Jia heard his cold tone of voice and saw his sullen look, her face instantly darkened. A quarrel was about to break out.

Jia Zhong hurriedly made an excuse and left.

After Jia Zhong walked out of sight, Mrs. Jia snorted coldly, “You’re surprisingly amiable to your kind younger brother. Someday he’ll betray you and you won’t even be able to find out how!”

“Shut your mouth!” Jia Yin thundered.

“Aren’t I telling the truth? Wasn’t he the one who was behind the matter of the tavern? He plotted against Ling Zhaowen but ended up victimizing you and allowing that Liu Chengfang to be part of our family!”

“Haven’t we already agreed that this matter should never be mentioned again? Will you please stop bringing it up?”

“I just hate the way he puts on airs. He’s merely a County Magistrate, and we both know how he got that position, yet he has the nerve to affect an air of authority in front of us.”

“Fang shi, if you don’t shut your mouth right now, I’ll lock you up!”

Mrs. Jia stormed out of the house in rage, slamming the door as she left.

Jia Yin sat there with a gloomy look on his face. Surprisingly, the anger he had in his eyes a moment ago when Mrs. Jia was present was no longer there.

“Where’s Second Master?”

“Rest assured, my lord. I’ve been on the lookout outside. Second Master has walked far away. He didn’t hear anything.” The butler of Jia family walked inside.

It was not until this moment that the look on Jia Yin’s face became slightly milder. “Have you found out exactly who it was that knocked me out and took me to that tavern?”

“Well… Please forgive me for my incompetence, my lord. I haven’t found out the definite identity of that person yet.”

“You good-for-nothing. Tell me why I should keep paying you!”

“I hope you’ll simmer down in the knowledge that the results of my investigation aren’t thoroughly disappointing, my lord. Do you still remember that Second Master once sent some men to Ling family to make trouble but Ling Zhang ruined his plan? I eavesdropped on the conversation between Adviser Qian and Second Master. They said that on that day, apart from Ling Zhang, there was also a kung fu expert present, who secretly offered Ling Zhang help and struck the acupoints of those men sent by Second Master. That’s why the plan failed.”

“It was in the garden that you were suddenly knocked out and taken away. In Tanyang, there have never been any kung fu experts who are able to sneak in and out of that place without being seen. I’ve been considering all kinds of possibilities and I speculate – if I may be so bold as to do so – that there’s some kind of connection between that man and Ling family. Second Master was targeting Ling Zhaowen who was clearly already in the room, but who suddenly disappeared into thin air, so there must have been some kung fu expert helping him, and there was a ninety-percent chance that this man was the very person who knocked you out and took you away.”

“There’s no need to speculate. He was definitely working for Ling family,” Jia Yin concluded in anger, “but when did Ling family hire a kung fu expert to secretly help them? We didn’t get wind of this at all.”

“Not long ago Ling Zhang suddenly ordered an investigation into the background of the servants in his family and evicted all spies we planted in Ling family. Currently, we don’t have a clue what the situation in Ling family is, but…”

“But what?”

“It is rumored that a few days ago, before daybreak, a team entered the city heading for Ling family the moment the city gate opened. I wonder whether those people have anything to do with this matter.”

“Why didn’t you report this to me earlier?”

“Please turn from your anger, my lord. Actually, it was not until a couple of days ago that someone began to spread a rumor of this matter. There were no pedestrians on the streets when those people entered the city. It was some Yamen runners on guard duty and a couple of vegetable growers who saw them. Those vegetable growers live in the suburbs, and those Yamen runners are under Tao Feng’s firm control. It requires a certain amount of money to get them to talk.”

“And then?”

“What was really weird was that those people disappeared afterwards, and people of Ling family has been acting as if nothing has ever happened.”

After pondering over something for a while with a cold look on his face, Jia Yin said, “I don’t care what kind of means you’ll resort to, but I want you to find out the current situation in Ling family irrespective of the expenses. Come to me when you need money. One more thing, whatever you find, keep it out of Second Master’s knowledge for the moment.”

“Erm… Yes, my lord.”