BXG - 66

◎A Change in the Weather◎

The three of them casually found a pavilion in the back garden. After the maids had served tea, they bowed their heads and withdrew. He Yuan Kai glanced around, then smiled: “Young Master Zhou and Madam truly come from Bian Du. Even the servants in your household are so well-disciplined.”

Zhou Tan replied with an underlying meaning: “Of course there must be rules. Without rules, what should we do if we encounter servants with ill intentions?”

Qu You covered her mouth and laughed: “My husband is joking. People always need to have something to hold over them to fear those with ill intentions. Of course, even those who act with integrity may still be framed. But I believe good people like Mr. He would never do such things.”

Seeing this harmonious couple, He Yuan Kai took a sip of the tea by his side—it wasn’t the usual type of tea from Ruo Zhou, but the tea powder was fine, with a sweet and subtle fragrance. “Good tea, indeed. Since Madam can keep me here today, it shows that you are truly Young Master Zhou’s confidante. There are some things I don’t need to avoid saying to you.”

Though he said “no need to avoid,” he fell silent after this statement and did not speak again. Qu You looked at the twilight sky outside the pavilion, knowing he wanted an explanation, and said: “When Mr. He sent that child with the military rations sack to our gate, I already became suspicious. Though Wu Bin has been arrogant for many years, he wouldn’t dare to be so blatant. Besides, other rice shops and grain stores receiving such items should have quickly disposed of the sacks. Why would they leave them for me to trace all the way to the poor in Ruo Zhou?”

He Yuan Kai raised his eyebrows, signaling her to continue.

“However, at that time, I was merely suspicious. It was only when Lady Wu’s maid appeared that I confirmed someone within Ruo Zhou was helping us.” Qu You glanced at Zhou Tan, “Her appearance was too coincidental. Back then, when this person didn’t die, even Wu Bin couldn’t find her whereabouts. How could she surface just as I started investigating? So I had someone follow this maid for a few days. I learned she had recently moved into Ruo Zhou. My maid sold cosmetics and hair oil at her alley entrance for a few days before finally getting some information—she said someone saved her back then and sent her out of the city. Now, bringing her back is to repay the favor by telling everything to Lady Wu.”

He Yuan Kai narrowed his eyes: “Madam is quite resourceful. I strictly forbade her from leaving her residence, but never expected that from the day she was found, Madam had already arranged someone at her doorstep.”

Qu You smiled: “Just a small trick.”

Zhou Tan gently swirled the teacup in his hand: “Mr. He has been undercover in the Wu family for so long, ever since Wu Bin married Wang Yi Ran until now, which must be over ten years. You gained Wu Bin’s trust; he dared to tell you intimate secrets about his wife and child. Surely, Mr. He must have put in significant effort. What do you—want?”

Some water spilled from the teacup. Zhou Tan asked nonchalantly: “What about the governor?”

He Yuan Kai clapped and laughed loudly: “I am just a commoner, even a performer dug out from the pleasure quarters and theaters by Wu Bin. Does Young Master Zhou think I can become a governor?”

“I’m not afraid to tell you that from the moment I set out from Bian Du to Ruo Zhou, this place was destined to be in my hands, whether or not you or the Xiang Ning Marquis’s household were involved.” The tea was finished. Zhou Tan toyed with the porcelain cup in his hand, saying indifferently, “After Wu Bin’s death, I will be the sole authority in Ruo Zhou. Who becomes governor will naturally be decided by me.”

Upon hearing “Xiang Ning Marquis’s household,” He Yuan Kai’s expression changed instantly. He listened apprehensively as Zhou Tan continued: “The marquis knew Wu Bin loved music and thus arranged for you to perform in the pleasure quarters. You lived up to his expectations and reached where you are today. The position of governor is within your grasp. Do you really think you aren’t capable of it?”

He Yuan Kai stared at his face and repeated: “Xiang Ning Marquis?”

“The day of Lady Wu’s grand banquet, I noticed the iron badge on your waist,” Zhou Tan recalled, “a soaring eagle flying thousands of miles. For a scholar like Mr. He to obtain this military badge, had you been born ten years earlier, you would surely have followed General Xiao to achieve great deeds and become a renowned scholar.”

He Yuan Kai stood up from the stone table, somewhat discomposed, asking: “How do you know this?”

Zhou Tan calmly answered: “I also have one.”

He lifted his head, and finally, a faint smile appeared in his deep eyes: “Has the marquis tested me enough? On the day of the handover of Ruo Zhou, please take me to meet him.”

He Yuan Kai quickly composed himself, nodded, and asked one more question before leaving: “If... I hadn’t helped, what would Young Master Zhou have done?”

“Under Wang Ju Qian, I have people placed there years ago,” Zhou Tan replied. “In fact, I never expected the marquis to send anyone to help me. When Mr. He returns, he can convey a message to the marquis: Ruo Zhou was my teacher’s final concern. Now that I’m here in the western border, I will ensure that everything here changes.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, He Yuan Kai rose to take his leave. The sky had completely darkened. Qu You walked around the garden twice, deep in thought.

A maid brought them a lantern. Zhou Tan took it and casually asked: “What is Madam thinking about?”

Qu You replied: “Find an empty spot in front of my window. This place is indeed very suitable for planting apricot flowers.”

When Wang Ju Qian arrived at the main hall of the Wu residence, he heard a clear shattering sound from inside.

His sister, who had been gentle and sorrowful for thirty years, was shouting in a hysterical voice he had never heard before: “How could you treat me like this?”

The guards originally gathered at the door wanted to go in and report, but they were deterred by his piercing gaze and dared not move—an indication of how terrifying General Wang’s eyes were at that moment. Everyone was certain that whoever dared to enter now would be killed on the spot.

Wu Bin’s voice came from inside the room, though somewhat flustered, with no intention of backing down: “Where did you hear these absurdities? I’ve already told you not to believe...”

Before he finished, Wang Yi Ran sharply interrupted: “Liu Ye has been with me for ten years. If you weren’t guilty, why would you lie and say she died of illness? After Nuo Er died, all the maidservants around me were replaced. I never doubted it before, but now, thinking about it, I was so foolish! You and that wretched woman have been in cahoots, even causing my son’s death. And I actually felt grief and guilt, specially allowing her to be your concubine. Pfft... If it weren’t for the irrefutable evidence, I would never have thought this way...”

Wang Ju Qian’s forehead twitched. He patiently listened to a few more unbearable words at the door. Eventually, Wu Bin shockingly admitted to those things in front of her: “A woman’s life is complete once she devotes herself to her husband and children. Your husband has his plans. What’s the point of you making such a fuss? Be careful, or I’ll find an excuse to declare you insane and lock you up in the woodshed. Your brother does care for you, but over the years, the interests within Ruo Zhou are deeply intertwined. Do you think he would forsake his own wealth and status for you?”

Subsequently, the sound of a slap echoed from the room, and Wang Yi Ran let out a cry of pain.

Wu Bin actually struck her!

Wang Ju Qian thought blankly that this was the good home he had found for his sister, the man he had wholeheartedly supported.

Unable to bear listening any longer, he kicked open the door. Wu Bin was startled, looking at him as if seeing a ghost, his voice stuttering: “Uncle... Uncle Brother...”

Wang Yi Ran rushed from the side and collapsed at Wang Ju Qian’s feet, sobbing heartbreakingly. Though both siblings were nearing middle age, Wang Ju Qian didn’t hesitate to lift his sister up, just like when they relied on each other after their parents’ death long ago: “Sister, stop crying. I’ll take you back.”

Without another word, he turned and walked out. Wu Bin stumbled after him: “Uncle Brother, listen to my explanation...”

Wang Ju Qian turned back and gave him a cold look.

This gaze was like frost and a sharp blade. Wu Bin trembled instantly. Wang Ju Qian kicked aside the teacup that had been shattered by the two of them earlier and strode toward the gate of the manor. No one in the Wu household dared to stop him. In just moments, the two disappeared from Wu Bin’s sight.

Wu Bin was so frightened that he nearly stumbled at the doorframe. At this moment, He Yuan Kai hurriedly ran in from the front gate. Wu Bin clutched onto this advisor, who had been loyal for over a decade after being rescued from a troupe, as if he were a lifeline: “Little He, Little He, Wang Yi Ran already knows the events of those years. On Wang Ju Qian’s side… it probably can’t be concealed.”

He Yuan Kai was slightly surprised and quickly asked: “What does my lord intend to do?”

“Hah, does Wang Ju Qian really think I, I, the mighty governor, would let him manipulate me?” Wu Bin held onto his arm and got up from the ground. Clearly disoriented, he still forced himself to stay calm, repeating over and over again, “Long ago... on that day, I guessed there might come such a day, naturally I’d leave a backup plan! If he is... if he is sensible, just one woman, how could she be worth abandoning years of wealth and status?”

“Moreover, even if he intends to pledge loyalty to the newly arrived Zhou Tan, after all, he has cooperated with me for many years, would that person trust him? Besides, he himself isn’t capable either, no problem, no problem.”

His words were disjointed, as if he were consoling himself.

He Yuan Kai listened quietly with lowered eyes. Suddenly, Wu Bin shook his shoulders and a trace of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: “I have trained assassins hidden in my mansion. Now that Wang Ju Qian is within the city, there are only a few guards in his residence. How could they withstand my carefully selected and long-trained men from the military? Moreover, with Wang Yi Ran there, he must be exhausted and very relaxed. Missing today, once he realizes, there will be no opportunity!”

He Yuan Kai immediately understood his meaning: “Then I’ll go gather all the assassins now, have them ambush around the General’s residence, wait for an opportunity to drug them, and after nightfall, leave no survivors. So suddenly, Wang Ju Qian may not have time to prepare. If we succeed, Ruo Zhou will still be ours, and even if we don’t succeed, he won’t know who did it.”

Wu Bin nodded repeatedly: “Go, go! Take them all, more than fifty people, surely we can succeed! If it doesn’t work, set a fire. The garrison is outside the city gates, they can’t arrive that fast. You go check, confirm his intention to defect, then act immediately!”

He Yuan Kai bowed respectfully: “Yes.”

Due to panic and fear, after He Yuan Kai left with his men, Wu Bin didn’t dare to leave the house again. He stationed over a dozen guards to strictly guard the entrance, while he stayed cooped up in the main hall without daring to come out. Even when he heard that several acquaintances had come to visit, he didn’t allow them in.

Now he truly had no energy to deal with other matters. Besides, these people usually visited during the day, why were they coming at night today?

Unusual circumstances surely meant trouble; it was better not to see them.

After a sleepless night, just as the eastern sky began to lighten, Wu Bin started to feel anxious. He opened the window and stared intently at the gate, hoping for He Yuan Kai to return with his men to reassure him.

But he waited and waited, and no one returned.

Instead, the steward guarding the gate came running over, breathless, and said: “My lord, my lord... that Zhou...”

As soon as the word “Zhou” was mentioned, Wu Bin suddenly remembered that yesterday Zhou Tan hosted a banquet, and everyone attended, including Wang Ju Qian. Could his sudden arrival be related to this person?

Before he could think further, the steward continued: “My lord, something terrible has happened. That young Master Zhou took office today and actually posted a notice at the city gate, calling for those displaced people whose household registrations were withheld to bring their records and register for residency.”

A loud bang echoed in Wu Bin’s mind, leaving it blank. He muttered: “What did you say? He... he dares so much! Who would believe what he says?”

The steward urgently replied: “At first, naturally no one dared to believe, and no one came. But later, that Mr. He... Mr. He brought some women from our mansion to the state office, and immediately received stamped registration documents... Those rioters suspected it was a trick, so he directly led people to attack us!”

Wu Bin felt an odd sense of absurdity.

Just a day before, Zhou Tan was still a timid lamb in his mind, easily manipulated. Overnight, where did he get such boldness to dare to take action? Who gave him the authority? Who gave him the troops?

But he had no time to think further. All the elite guards in the Wu mansion had been sent out yesterday. A group of soldiers easily broke through the gate, tied him up, and dragged him all the way to the state office gate.

The Ruo Zhou state office was built on a stretch of abandoned city wall. Just as he was dragged to the gate and raised his head, he saw Zhou Tan and Wang Ju Qian standing together on the city wall, looking down at him coldly, making him shiver with fear.

Zhou Tan slightly turned his head and nodded at Wang Ju Qian: “General Wang has great spirit, capturing this person so quickly.”

Wang Ju Qian modestly replied: “For many years, I’ve acted as an accomplice to evil. Thanks to Young Master Zhou still giving me a chance, yesterday my sister cried to me, and I realized what kind of mistakes I made! Better late than never to mend the fold after losing the sheep.”

The two hung Wu Bin down from the city wall and erected a full sheet of Xuan paper at the state office gate. He Yuan Kai stood in front of the paper, deliberately writing out Wu Bin’s crimes for the public.

The displaced people who were previously hesitant were very fearful, suspecting another trick by Wang Ju Qian. But seeing him being half-dead hanging at the city gate, they belatedly realized that the weather had changed in Ruo Zhou.

Thus, public sentiment surged. He Yuan Kai’s sheet of paper was densely filled, and by noon, it was completely written. Wu Bin originally cursed loudly in mid-air but was thrown many vegetable leaves and rotten eggs, draining his strength. Fortunately, Zhou Tan hung him extremely high; if any lower, he would certainly have been trampled to death by the enraged crowd.

Until the sun set in the west, the crowd gradually dispersed, and a scarlet red sun slowly sank below the horizon, indescribably desolate and lonely.

Suddenly, Wu Bin felt the rope holding him loosen by a few inches. It seemed the person above didn’t want him to fall to his death immediately, and lowered him very slowly, finally placing him on the ground in front of the mansion gate.

He struggled a few times, but with no strength left, he crawled a few steps on the ground like a dog, hoarsely shouting: “How dare... how dare you. Any generals of Ruo Zhou who can kill Zhou and Wang... I shall reward them with a hundred taels of gold and promote them...”

The curfew in Ruo Zhou was early, and there were few people on the streets after dusk. Wu Bin painfully lifted his eyelids and suddenly saw two women slowly walking from the end of the street ahead. He widened his eyes in disbelief, taking a long time to recognize who they were.

One was Zhou Tan’s wife, whom he had seen at the banquet. No matter when, she carried the gentle charm of a Bian Du woman, but now her gaze upon him was no different than looking at a dog. And the other...

Wang Yi Ran’s body was weaker compared to her brother, rarely wearing armor or carrying weapons. Now she wore the usual uniform from the military camp, her hair simply tied into a bun, holding a sharpened long knife.

The clear moon rose higher, reflecting a cold light off the blade.

Wu Bin instinctively called out: “Yi, Yi Ran...”