Chapter 5

"You two, go outside," Yang Chengwan said to the left and right.

The person before him was only in his forties, yet his hair was streaked with gray, and he appeared visibly fatigued, which was a far cry from the description of the renowned Jinyiwei who had solved numerous extraordinary cases as recounted by his grandfather. Was this merely a facade, or was he truly worn and withered? Lu Yi observed him for a moment and could only say, "There is no rush in this matter; senior need not make a hasty decision now. On this trip to Yangzhou, Yan Yuan is still young and will rely heavily on your guidance and instruction."

Thank you for still thinking of this old bone of mine Yang Chengwan said with a faint smile, distant and polite

Yang Yue and Jin Xia did not dare to disobey and obediently went out to close the cabin door properly

"How audacious! A mere lowly official dares to speak in such a manner!" exclaimed the tall officer with a stern expression. "What has been lost is the birthday tribute for General Qiu's mother. Not only will I search your person, but even your life would not suffice as compensation."

"My father is getting old, and his hearing is a bit poor, so he might not have heard..." Yang Yue hurriedly explained to Lu Yi, "Lord Lu, please do not take offense. Should I wait until he wakes up to tell him?"

The two soldiers were even angrier and were about to charge forward to attack again. Just then, Yang Yue arrived and, seeing that Jin Xia was unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly intervened, saying, "We are all public servants serving the country; let us speak amicably and resolve this peacefully. It would be unwise to let anger disrupt our harmony."

Lu Yi seemed not to notice them; he held a covered cup in his hand, admiring the river view, leisurely swirling the tea, the fragrance of the tea wafting gently. In the mist of the water vapor, his handsome features were partially obscured.

The tall officer completely ignored her and stepped forward to search her person. This summer quickly took two steps back, kicked out with her leg, and decisively sent the officer stumbling backward.

Yang Yue and Jin Xia entered without hesitation. Lu Yi had already taken his seat and was about to converse with Yang Chengwan when he noticed the two of them standing like sentinels on either side, their expressions calm, yet silent.

"It is still the old problem; whenever he gets tired, he easily suffers from heart and chest pain." Lu Yi observed Yang Chengwan with an impassive expression, "I often advise him to take care of himself, but he does not listen. When he has free time, he often thinks of many things from the past. My father has mentioned you several times and is very much looking forward to your return to help him"

Wang Fangxing turned to Lu Yi, just about to speak, when he heard Lu Yi coldly say: "Lord Wang, when was the birthday gift lost?"

"Where is Chief Yang Chengwan?" Lu Yi asked

It seems that his actions are indeed too effortless, natural, and smooth; as for this summer, before her mind had even caught up, she had already automatically and consciously taken the tea bowl and held it for him

Lu Yi lifted his eyelids and gave a faint hum.

"My father asked me to convey a message to you—" Lu Yi gazed at him, "—the deceased is no more"

Yang Yue took Lu Yi to the cabin where Yang Cheng Wan was resting

The two individuals simultaneously let out a wail of lamentation

This summer, there were concerns that this Jinyiwei was deliberately trying to cause trouble for Yang Chengwan, and she also attempted to mediate. Just as she opened her mouth, the cabin door creaked open, and Yang Chengwan stood at the entrance in his robe: "Esteemed Sir, I am Yang Chengwan, a man of the heavens, and I beg your pardon for any shortcomings in etiquette."

Yang Chengwan did not give a clear answer, but instead asked, "How is your father's health?"

"Experiencing adulthood..."

Shen Lian, styled Chunfu, was a native of Kuaiji, Jiangxi. He became a successful candidate in the imperial examination in the seventeenth year of the Jiajing era and later served as an official in the Jinyiwei. Known for his integrity and uprightness, Shen Lian could no longer tolerate the tragic plight of the people, who suffered from the aftermath of the Gengxu Incident, witnessing families torn apart and lives lost. He submitted a memorial detailing the ten major crimes of Yan Song, which resulted in him being punished with a beating and exiled to the outskirts of Juyong Pass. Subsequently, Shen Lian was murdered in Xuanzhou, and his sons, Shen Gun and Shen Bao, were imprisoned and beaten to death.

"Wait!" These people are extremely rude, and this summer, I can no longer contain my anger, "We all work for the public, your loss has nothing to do with me, what right do you have to search?"

Lu Yi then smiled faintly and said, "My father once mentioned that during his time in the Jinyiwei, your tracking skills were unparalleled, truly exceptional. It is a good thing that there are successors now."

Yang Chengwan arrived at the door, abruptly pulled open the cabin door, causing Jin Xia and Yang Yue, who were each holding a small leather listening device pressed against the door to eavesdrop, to nearly tumble inside. After confiscating all the listening devices, Yang Chengwan glared at the two of them: "Before nightfall, I want you both to have a clear understanding of this ship and the people on board."

This summer, I was momentarily taken aback, unable to fully grasp its meaning, and could only nod in a dazed and confused manner

My father is having difficulty walking and is currently resting in the cabin

As they spoke, Jin Xia leaned against Yang Yue, feeling drowsy and yawning repeatedly, preparing to return to sleep if there was nothing for her to do. She had little fondness for this General Qiu Luan; in fact, she would have liked to applaud when his birthday gift was lost.

"Nonsense! You’ve turned the house upside down, and now you want to search me as well. Do you think I’m a soft persimmon? Go ahead and try to squeeze me, and see if I don’t blow your hand off!" Jin Xia shouted back with full vigor.

This summer, he mocked with a smile

"Boss..."

Father...

This summer, I watched coldly as the knife swung towards me, not avoiding or yielding. Just as the knife was about to reach my eyes, I quickly tilted my head, and the blunt blade struck into the door panel.

After all, they are father and son. Yang Yue had already sensed that there was something suspicious about this matter. He exchanged a glance with his father before boarding the neighboring boat with Jin Xia

"Search me?" Yang Chengwan said with a serious expression, "Didn’t the general say that the birthday gifts amount to seven or eight large boxes? Is it possible that my little disciple can fit them all on his person?"

"Senior Yang, you are too polite." Lu Yi's tone was quite gentle

At such a close distance, seeing that there was no change in his expression this summer, it seemed he did not recognize her, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief

Wang Fangxing hurriedly bowed and said, "I, a humble official, have not managed my subordinates well; their reckless actions have disturbed your rest. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness, and I will certainly come to apologize in person another day"

There is no sound inside, nor can any response be heard

"After the second quarter of the Chou hour, because during the change of guard at the second quarter of the Chou hour, all the boxes were still there," Wang Fangxing replied without hesitation

Anchored at night on the boat, there was nothing happening for half the night, but as dawn began to break, a great commotion arose

Yang Yue hesitated for a moment, contemplating the hierarchy of official ranks and the importance of maintaining decorum. He quickly stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Yang Yue of the Six Doors, pays respects to Lord Lu"

Yang Chengwan bitterly smiled and said, "Back in the day, although your father was the highest commander of the Jinyiwei, he treated me and Shen Lian with special regard, even referring to us as brothers. This kindness and recognition, I can never repay in this lifetime. The current Yang Chengwan is no longer of use, both old and broken, I can only pass the days in the yamen, no longer able to pursue my former ambitions"

The two soldiers from before also rushed out of the cabin, pointing at the person led by Jin Xiaochao and shouting, "This little girl won't let us search, yet dares to act violently and insults the general. It must be her..."

"Boss, when have I not been careful?" asked Jixia.

Wang Fangxing saw him hunched over, with a limp leg, and did not take him seriously, but was reluctant to refuse due to Lu Yi's presence

So you are a subordinate of Qiu Luan, no wonder you are so arrogant. This summer, Leng hummed and said: "Although your general is currently favored by the emperor, I advise you this: in the public sphere, one cannot avoid encounters, so do not act too recklessly in everything!"

This summer, after a moment of daze while looking at the tea bowl in his hand, he finally came to his senses. He silently reflected on the sudden change from being a constable to a servant, then quickly followed, feeling puzzled: why did he choose to meet Head Yang first instead of Liu Xiangzuo?

Lu Yi remained silent, his face resembling an ice sculpture, standing quietly in front of the cabin door, showing no intention of leaving

This summer, he was directly pulled onto the deck, where dozens of torches illuminated the ship as brightly as day. The bow of the ship was densely packed with people; not only were the crew members forced out, but also Yang Chengwan, Liu Xiangzuo, and Lu Yi among others. One man wore a red tassel and a pointed iron helmet, dressed in fish-scale armor that reached his waist, which should have made him look imposing. However, he appeared dejected and downcast, as if disaster was imminent. A flag officer closely followed him, with numerous soldiers behind them.

Lu Yi remained silent; this individual with the surname Shen had experience as a seventh-rank Jinyiwei, and he was aware of it

Upon hearing this, Yang Chengwan sat quietly for a long time before slowly saying, "In the past, I also knew a person who had served in the Seventh Rank Jinyiwei, holding an official position equivalent to yours. His surname was Shen"

"I will conduct surprise checks at any time," Yang Chengwan said briefly, then closed the door and turned to Lu Yi with a smile, "My son, the disciple, is quite unruly, and I apologize for the embarrassment he has caused you"

Lu Yi raised his hand slightly and gestured towards the cabin, indicating for him to lead the way. He casually passed the tea bowl to the side, precisely in the direction where Jin Xia was located

With him saying this, Yang Chengwan naturally could not refuse any longer. He turned to Yang Yue and instructed, "You two go on board, and be careful..."

Liu Xiangzuo, as the highest-ranking official in this area, is also the most mild-mannered and honest person. He understands that General Qiu's people must be given some respect. When awakened in the middle of the night, he is not angry but gently asks, "Deputy General Wang, we still have official duties to attend to. If the search is already complete, we would like to return and rest."

Yang Chengwan glared at her fiercely, yet still reminded her: "General Qiu's birthday celebration is extraordinary, you two must pay close attention and refrain from speaking carelessly, do you understand?"

While speaking, he pulled Jin Xia outside and whispered in her ear: "These people are not to be trifled with; it's better to avoid trouble. My father is waiting outside."

Liu Xiangzuo walked back to the cabin, and his figure quickly disappeared

"Boss." This summer, leaning next to Yang Chengwan, said indignantly in a low voice, "These people are too arrogant."

Senior Yang ... ... '' Lu Yi had just begun to speak

Lu Jingli... ...

Search her body! one of them said

Please wait a moment, esteemed adult

According to Jin Xia's thoughts, since he did not see them, it was not worth her effort to pay her respects; it would be more convenient to slip away quietly. Perhaps Lu Yi still remembers what happened that night at the Xinfeng Bridge. If he recognizes the two of them and recalls the two taels of silver, it is hard to say whether he would have a good impression of her; if he were to be even more petty, he might deliberately seek to cause her trouble.

This summer, unable to catch him in time, could only follow suit and pay her respects: "Yuan Jinxia of the Six Doors, I pay my respects to Lord Lu"

Arriving at the cabin of Yang Chengwan, Yang Yue lightly knocked on the cabin door and called out: "Father, Lord Lu has arrived."

This summer, I was in a daze when I suddenly heard a loud knocking on the cabin door, thinking it was a serious matter like a flood, and hurriedly put on my clothes to open the door. As soon as the door opened, two soldiers wearing dark-colored, wide-brimmed felt hats and dressed in blue uniforms with yellow skirts forcefully barged in, saying little, and immediately turned the cabin's contents upside down. Finding nothing, they then turned to me.

"You little brat," the tall soldier stood up, supporting himself against the cabin wall, drew his waist sword, and said angrily, "I will chop you up!"

Yang Chengwan smiled faintly, stepped aside to let him in, and invited Lu Yi into the cabin.

Lu Yi said no more, rose to his feet, clasped his hands in salute, and took his leave.

Head Constable Yang, Lu Yi turned to Yang Chengwan and said, "I have heard that your tracking skills are exceptional. Why not go to the crime scene and take a look? Perhaps we can find some clues that will assist Deputy General Wang in tracing the whereabouts of the Shengchen Gang."

"In that case..." Lu Yi stared at him for a moment, his gaze revealing no emotion whatsoever, and then said, "Why not let your disciple take a look instead."

Chuckle... I have long heard that General Chou commands his troops with great skill, frequently receiving reports of victories, even daring to submit a memorial for merit after slaying five Mongolians. It is no wonder that the saying goes, "A bear of a soldier leads a den of bears"; this statement is indeed accurate.

"I beg your pardon, my lord," Yang Chengwan said, hunching his body. "I should not have delayed after your esteemed promotion, but at night, I see a significant portion of things as double images, which is truly inconvenient."

Wang Fangxing, the deputy general under Qiu Luan, felt utterly humiliated upon witnessing his subordinates' lack of discipline, especially in front of the experienced members of the Jinyiwei and the left minister of the Dali Temple. He angrily slapped the tall soldier and exclaimed, "Useless scum! Get out!"

It is a trivial matter, not worth taking to heart

"It is an honor to be in your presence, how could I dare to presume otherwise?" Yang Chengwan hurriedly replied

Only Yang Chengwan remained in the cabin, sitting back down in the chair, quietly gazing at the cup of tea across from him, his expression complex

Do you think I can be easily bullied? Hmph