"Master, that Zhang Yuwen seems to have so issues," the little boy said mysteriously.
"Oh?" Gao Zhuo opened his eyes, a dangerous look in them.
"The disciple found that he left the capital more than ten years ago and only returned once during these years. No one knows his whereabouts, not even the Zhang Family, but I found out that when Zhang Yuwen was five years old, he seed to have t a mysterious Taoist while outside, and then followed that Taoist."
"Are you saying that Taoist might be one of us?"
"Yes, and I also heard that Zhang Yuwen presented the Emperor with a millennium ginseng. Although millennium ginseng is not hard to obtain, it is not easy for these mortals."
"Has he made any other moves recently? Has he investigated us?"
"That’s exactly what is strange, Master. Since he took the position of Junior Governor, he hasn’t behaved excessively. He has been sending routine business docunts to our National Master Mansion, seemingly without any transactions with the Emperor. But I found out another piece of news."
"Speak."
"Zhang Yuwen and the Empress are cousins. I heard that both families intended to let them marry in childhood, but it was called off due to Zhang Yuwen’s long absence."
"This is interesting," Gao Zhuo chuckled. "Keep a close eye on Zhang Yuwen and the Emperor and Empress. Even if he’s a cultivator, he’s only been practicing for a dozen years; what climate could he have? If he’s befriending our Emperor for re emotional reasons, there’s even less reason for concern."
"Yes, I will closely monitor them," the disciple said.
"Master, soone outside reports another missing child," Zhang Yuwen was processing official duties when he imdiately furrowed his brows upon hearing this report.
He asked, "Is this the fifth case this month?"
"Yes, Master, it is the fifth."
Zhang Yuwen restrained his anger, "What about before? Bring all the previous files of missing children."
"Yes," the servant replied.
Looking at the heavy ledger, his face darkened, "So many? Has no one investigated? What does the National Master Mansion say?"
"The people there only say they’re busy and investigating," the servant’s voice faded.
"This is outrageous!" Zhang Yuwen, usually gentle and graceful, beca furious.
The servant glanced around nervously, "Master, please watch your words."
Zhang Yuwen contained his anger, "Go and comfort that family, carefully inquire how the child disappeared, where the disappearance occurred, and any identifiable features."
"Yes," the servant replied.
After everyone left, he began reviewing the files, discovering that the earliest missing child was ten years ago. At that ti, there were few disappearances, so it wasn’t given much attention. However, over the past three years, the disappearances seem to be increasing, becoming more frequent in the last three months. He mapped the addresses of missing children and found most cases were within the city, slowly spreading to the outskirts.
Could it be the people in the capital committing these acts? For what purpose? Zhang Yuwen fell into deep thought, realizing that beneath the seemingly peaceful and prosperous Daluo Dynasty lies such filth and turmoil.
"Yuwen, I heard you’re investigating the missing children case in the capital?" Returning ho, Zhang Yuwen was summoned to the study by his father.
"Yes, Father," he replied respectfully.
But Zhang Lian’s expression was not good, "Stop investigating this matter."
"Why?" Zhang Yuwen raised his head, seemingly unable to believe his father’s words.
"The National Master Mansion will handle it. You’re a recently appointed Junior Governor; who would heed you? Investigating will just be t with many obstacles. Don’t waste your efforts on it."
"But that’s hundreds of children. Is the National Master Mansion really handling it? The State Preceptor has great powers. If truly managed, how co there has been no news for so many years? Father, do you know sothing that you’re not sharing?" Zhang Yuwen asked seriously.
Yet Zhang Lian retorted, "Have you forgotten the teachings of your sect? Do not ddle in mundane affairs. Focus on your cultivation instead; perhaps I shouldn’t have let you co back."
At this, Zhang Yuwen also got angry but contained himself, saying, "Did you plan never to tell my cousin was already married if I hadn’t returned?"
"You’re a cultivator; whether your cousin marries or not, it’s impossible between you two," Zhang Lian looked sharply at his son, "When did you beco so sentintal? You should aspire to wider horizons. You’re soone who can achieve immortality. Have you considered that if you and Suxin are together, what will happen when she ages and yet you remain youthful?"
Listening to his father sternly point out this issue, Zhang Yuwen’s expression grew grim, but he replied defiantly, "Father, I’ve rely stepped into the ranks of cultivators; I’m not immortal. Moreover, perhaps I’ll find a way to let my cousin grow old with ."
"Do you believe that yourself? Making a mortal live forever with you? Is there such Spiritual dicine?"
With solemnity, Zhang Yuwen said, "I’ve checked the sect’s books. It’s not impossible."
"It’s extrely unlikely, right? Yuwen, you should wake up. Your cousin is already married," Zhang Lian said bluntly.
Zhang Yuwen sighed softly, refraining from further response.
At the sa ti, Kong Suxin also looked at the sky outside the palace, feeling dark-eyed. Since knowing her cousin returned, she had many days of excitent. But unable to et for long, she finally believed her status as Empress had many constraints. Gradually, longing turned into resignation.
However, not everyone resigned. Yao Qinxue, though from a low official’s family, coerced into becoming a minor concubine due to the National Master, never wished to stay forever in the deep palace rear. Ye Qiu’s neglect gave her so relief, and Kong Suxin’s lack of involvent emboldened her.
"Lady, this isn’t where we should be; we should quickly return," the little palace maid said in panic.
Yao Qinxue, uninterested, showed impatience, "Return if you want, I’m the Emperor’s concubine; I can go anywhere in the harem."
Indeed, it wasn’t re boldness; one day, Wuxin found sothing amiss at a deserted palace. She pondered why there was a secret chamber in the Imperial Palace and who left it there. Though she tried many tis, the chamber wouldn’t open.
Today, she remained unbelieving. Eager to know what’s inside the chamber, is it a secret passage out of the palace or treasure?
She sensed excitent and intuition that the chamber was not simple.
User Comments
0 comments from readers