Later on, as for what happened between the rich man and the second Li son, Wu Xingzi did not concern himself with it. He handed the written indictment over to Xia Dageng, then introduced him to a very capable retired lawyer in Goose City. They won their case against the rich man, getting dozens of taels as compensation. Wu Xingzi then found a way to pass this matter to the rich man’s wife. Very quickly, the rich man soon packed up and left Qingcheng County, and it was not known how his wife dealt with him.
With a fortune falling out from the sky, as well as being able to vent his grievance, Xia Dageng was naturally very thankful to Wu Xingzi. He pounded his chest, declaring that he would be willing to do anything for him. As long as Wu Xingzi made a request, he would never refuse it.
Smiling, Wu Xingzi accepted the gratitude, but he had never thought about wanting to get anything out of Xia Dageng. He believed that as the adviser of Qingcheng County, it was expected that having spent his days relying on the kindness of the people, he would of course settle any troubles for them. Xia Dageng was very grateful, but he had also made use of Xia Dageng as well, so he felt that Xia Dageng need not be so thankful towards him.
However, unexpectedly, after twenty years, he would still need to seek a favour from him.
Man Yue consoled him. Since Xia Dageng did not forget his kindness from twenty years ago, it could be said that this was an opportunity for him to pay back the favour owed.
With the tea done and the story over, the plate of osmanthus cake was also emptied.
Man Yue again secretly sent Wu Xingzi back to Rancui’s residence, telling him that when Xia Dageng arrived, they would again return to the Lord Protector’s estate and settle the issue of this troublesome Bai Shaochang.
As it had to do with the safety of their master, the people of the Lord Protector’s estate dared not be lax about it at all. It was expected that Xia Dageng would need at least four or five days before he could reach the capital, but who would have thought that early in the morning of the fourth day, before Wu Xingzi had even woken up, Man Yue had come knocking on his door.
When Wu Xingzi was called awake, he received such a fright that he nearly rolled off his bed. Dazedly, he stared at the gleaming white teeth and bright eyes of Man Yue, the only things that could be seen in the dark.
“Mr. Wu, Xia Dageng has already arrived. Shall I take you to the Lord Protector’s estate?”
“He’s here already?” Wu Xingzi rubbed his eyes. A burden weighing on his heart finally settled, and he hurriedly grabbed the robe next to his bed, pulling it on. Without washing his face, he urged Man Yue, “Quick, quickly bring me there. Ai, who knows how much hardship Haiwang has experienced over the past few days. We need to hurry up and get him out of there.”
Man Yue fully agreed. However, it was not that he was worried about Guan Shanjin experiencing hardships, but that he did not want to continue to see Yan Wenxin living a carefree life.
Leaving a note, asking the two girls not to worry, Wu Xingzi followed Man Yue and sneaked out of Rancui’s residence.
In the past, when Xia Dageng and his wife went to Qingcheng County to sell their goods, they would always drop by and visit Wu Xingzi. They were quite familiar with each other, and so they also knew about Adviser Wu being taken away by the god-like man. Xia Dageng was not the talkative sort, and he also did not want to listen to the rumours Auntie Li had been spreading. He thought, Adviser Wu was such a good person, and for him to be able to have such good fortune, it was the heavens’ blessing.
Two days ago, in the middle of the night, there had been a fierce pounding on the door of his house, and even his neighbours had been woken up by the commotion. Only after opening the door did he know that it turned out to be Adviser Wu needing his help. There was no reason to refuse. That year, if not for Adviser Wu giving him a hand, he would not be enjoying his days like now, with a wife, children, and a warm bed. Straight away, he packed up all the perfume sachets he had on hand, dragged his wife up, handed his children over to his mother to be taken care of and followed the people knocking on his door.
The journey had been hurried and both meals and sleep were taken care of in a rush. In the blink of an eye, they arrived in the capital, and Xia Dageng and his wife were brought into a luxurious manor that they had never seen or dreamt of in their lives before. It was only when they saw Adviser Wu did they then exhale in relief.
When they were done asking after each other, Adviser Wu could not stop thanking them when accepting the perfume sachets. Xia Dageng was at a loss for what to do with his thanks. He did not feel that he was worth such gratefulness from Adviser Wu, as he was only paying back his kindness.
To Wu Xingzi, no matter what Xia Dageng thought, this favour was much greater in importance than the previous kindness owed. He requested Man Yue to help the couple settle down, as they must have been exhausted hurrying here. Once they were well-rested and well-fed, if they liked, they could stay a few more days in the capital before returning.
Man Yue instructed the housekeeper of the Lord Protector’s estate to handle the matter, then turned and brought Wu Xingzi to Changyou Yard.
“Mr. Wu, you really want to confront Bai Shaochang directly?” Man Yue seemed a little worried. He was not afraid that Wu Xingzi would make a mistake, but rather, how quick would he need to be to flee the capital so as to not let Guan Shanjin chop him up and bury him somewhere.
“Yes. If you’re worried, you can just watch from the sidelines.” Wu Xingzi nodded. He had interrogated quite a number of criminals before. Although Qingcheng County was a small place and no big crimes had ever been committed, there were still the occasional fights and conflicts that needed to be tried.
Man Yue thought about it. He was quite assured about Wu Xingzi, and he was only curious how this gentle and kindly old adviser would instigate Bai Shaochang, who was wholly devoted to Yan Wenxin, to defect.
“If Mr. Wu doesn’t mind, I’ll just watch from the sidelines.”
“Ai, what’s there to mind?” Wu Xingzi smiled. Seeing that Man Yue was about to push open the doors to Bai Shaochang’s room, he could not help but clench his fists and take in a deep breath. Only then did his rapidly beating heart calm down a little, and he nodded forcefully at Man Yue.
Inside the room, Bai Shaochang had already been woken up by the people Man Yue had sent over. Perhaps he might not have been able to sleep well over the past few days, as he looked even more haggard than before. Under his soft and gentle eyes were dark eye circles, and they were even more stark upon his ashen face. Hearing people coming in, he did not express any panic or uneasiness, but quietly looked up and glanced at Man Yue and Wu Xingzi, seeming to be a little puzzled.
It was clear that he had already forgotten that he had met Wu Xingzi before. After a casual glance, he lowered his head again.
When Wu Xingzi saw that he did not remember him, he was very relieved. Pulling out a chair, he sat down across Bai Shaochang. Man Yue remained standing at a distance, his arms folded as he gave Bai Shaochang a mocking and disgusted glare. Seemingly feeling the unconcealed loathing, Bai Shaochang hunched his shoulders slightly, his brows creasing a little. That unyielding yet fragile image he portrayed could really make one’s heart ache.
Although Wu Xingzi liked beautiful men, his heart was aching even more for his own Haiwang, and so he did not take Bai Shaochang’s posture to heart.
Wu Xingzi was an amiable and cordial person, and he had a placid temperament, never the sort to be in a rush. At this time, he was in no hurry to speak with Bai Shaochang, but instead poured out two cups of tea, handing one to Bai Shaochang first before picking the other one up and sipping from it.
After so many days, Bai Shaochang had already gotten used to being interrogated. Even though the stranger in front of him looked honest and sincere, without the slightest bit of authoritativeness to him, Bai Shaochang still remained on guard. Who would have thought that after waiting for some period of time, this middle-aged man would still be drinking tea and eating the snacks on the table. Like a mouse, he was holding onto a piece of walnut pastry, nibbling away at it with his front teeth. The way he looked, so cautious and seemingly in a difficult state, quickly made Bai Shaochang let down his defenses and even caused him to feel a bit of scorn towards this man.
“Ah, I’m sorry. It’s so early and I hadn’t had breakfast. I can’t really endure my hunger so…” After a look from Bai Shaochang, Wu Xingzi’s face reddened with a bright blush. “Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”
“There’s no need.” Bai Shaochang shook his head in refusal. Sternly, his brows knitted as he stared at the middle-aged man who was eating non-stop. “Who are you? Are you here to question me?”
It seemed like the Lord Protector’s estate was at the end of their rope, to have actually found someone like this to interrogate him? As Bai Shaochang exhaled in relief, he also felt that he had been underestimated.
“Question you?” Wu Xingzi hurriedly brushed away the crumbs of the walnut pastry from his mouth. He first shook his head, then nodded his head forcefully. “I’m Wu Xingzi, and I was fortunate enough to listen to you play the qin before.”
“Oh.” There was no change in Bai Shaochang’s expression. Indifferently, he lowered his lids, staring at his empty palms. He was not curious where Wu Xingzi had heard him play, as he had often played in teahouses and restaurants, and even porters and small-time tradesmen could be said to be his audience.
“Bai-gongzi is very skilled at the qin, and your music lingers even after the song. After hearing it once, I’ve never forgotten it.” With wide, earnest eyes, Wu Xingzi looked at Bai Shaochang. Not a trace of falseness could be detected in those eyes that were overflowing with admiration and like.
Bai Shaochang could not help but give a small smile. After all, who could remain aloof in front of a person who admired their talents?
“You’re too flattering. I still lack in some areas, but many thanks for your recognition.”
“I’m only a commoner, and I can’t speak well, nor do I have the intelligence of Bai-gongzi. Please Bai-gongzi, I hope you’re not offended.” Wu Xingzi had finally finished the plate of walnut pastries. A little nervous, he dusted the crumbs off his hands, then drank a mouthful of tea to wet his throat.
Bai Shaochang gave a self-mocking smile. “To be able to meet me here, one can’t be considered a commoner anymore.” Where was this place? This was the Lord Protector’s estate!
Hearing that, ill at ease, Wu Xingzi scratched his cheek in embarrassment as he lowered his head. Both the back of his neck and the tips of his ears were red, and it seemed like he had noticed the discrepancies in his words as well.
“Mr. Wu, a straightforward person does not beat around the bush. I know that it is probably very difficult for me to leave the Lord Protector’s estate, but I still hope that you’ll be quick. If there’s something you’d like to say to me, just go ahead.” Bai Shaochang’s back was very straight, his posture like a proud bamboo, standing up tall. He could not say that he was not the least bit frightened, but he was willing to give his all for that person in his heart.
Wu Xingzi looked at the young man in front of him, sighing internally. However, there was still an expression of a loss of composure on his face. He opened his mouth, as though he wanted to say something, only to quickly close it again. After he repeated that a few times, he finally clenched his jaw and took out a little thing from his chest, embarrassedly pushing it towards Bai Shaochang.
“T-this perfume sachet… I-it’s a little gift from me! I hope that Bai-gongzi will not disdain it!”
A perfume sachet? Man Yue, who at first was lazily leaning against the wall, looking as though he was resting, finally opened his eyes and glanced at the small item on the table.
It was a perfume sachet. This was really too interesting.
It had to be known that gifting a perfume sachet, something that was so personal, had the intentions of declaring one’s affections. It was mostly given as a token to pledge their love. Was Wu Xingzi seeking a new lover right under his nose? Aiyah, his poor General. He had yet to leave the jail, and he was about to be cuckolded already.
Bai Shaochang too was stunned, never expecting that he would be hearing something like this. However, he quickly frowned. Just as he opened his mouth, wanting to give a stern refusal, his eyes fell on the perfume sachet and his voice was stuck in his throat.
That perfume sachet was not made of a high quality material and it looked somewhat old. On it was embroidered a plain image of flowers and birds, and the embroidery was not exquisite. Some of the threads and holes were not well done, and rather than saying that it was plain and simple, calling it a crude attempt might be more apt. However, the shape of it was rather unique, as most perfume sachets tended to be made in circles, squares or the shape of a gourd. Yet, this perfume sachet was in the shape of a plum blossom, round and plump, very endearing to the eye.
“This perfume sachet…” Bai Shaochang’s voice was hoarse. His fingers trembled, as though he wanted to touch the item on the table. However, he pulled his hand back, as though he was burnt, and his eyes, burning with rage, were fixed on that perfume sachet.
“This perfume sachet?” Wu Xingzi no longer had that cautiousness from before. Instead, he placidly repeated Bai Shaochang’s words.
“W-why do you have this perfume sachet?” In a panic, Bai Shaochang reached into his sleeve. After feeling that familiar item within, he trembled, his teeth chattering. His face alternated between white and red, looking as though he was about to faint.
“This was something I bought from a travelling merchant.” Wu Xingzi looked at Bai Shaochang with sympathy in his eyes, but he continued saying what had to be said. “May I ask, Bai-gongzi, do you have the exact same perfume sachet with you?”
Bai Shaochang jerked violently, nearly falling right off his seat. Faltering, he took out the object within his sleeve, clenching his fist tightly around it. With bloodshot eyes, he stared at Wu Xingzi, his mouth opening and closing yet not saying a word.
“Did he once say that this was left to him by his mother before she died? The plum blossom represents a scholarly integrity and that bird is a mother’s love, and even if his mother was not around, she would always be by his side? This was the only keepsake his mother had left behind…”
As Wu Xingzi sighed, Bai Shaochang shuddered, nearly fainting.
Every word, every sentence was ever so familiar. The pleasant sounding words were like a thousand knives. Bai Shaochang’s mind blanked out, his throat gurgled, and blood dripped down from the corner of his lips.