Chapter 4: Going through fire and water

Deng Jian was shocked; what kind of potion did this kid give to Wang Gonggong? Not only did Wang Gonggong not reprimand him, but he even allowed himself to work under this kid. This is utterly contrary to reason

He thought to himself, perhaps it was because the father-in-law had heard of my formidable skills, that he specifically ordered me to carry out the execution

The official Wang scrutinized Xu Qian from head to toe and suddenly asked, "You, the son of a clerk, are surprisingly proficient in calligraphy and painting?"

The eunuch Wang sneered and said: "What do you understand? Someone is trying to make things difficult for our family; this person has malicious intentions."

However, if we are to investigate, I fear there may not be enough personnel, especially since the staff at the palace are not well-informed. Therefore, it would be best to have a trustworthy person assist us. I have heard that there is a capable individual under the eunuch's command, whose surname is Deng and given name is Jian. He is well-versed in both literature and martial arts, and is quite loyal and righteous. Perhaps the eunuch could assign him to assist us; I wonder if the eunuch would agree to this

Deng Jian ... ... '' The eunuch Wang called out to him, interrupting his daydreaming

Indeed, Lord Wang had his left hand behind his back, leaning against the table, while the knuckles of his right hand rhythmically tapped on the table, as if he had come up with some idea. He then said: "However, your prescription has caused the death of our household's steward; how can this debt simply be dismissed? A life is a serious matter. Even if our household does not take action against you, when you are taken to the magistrate, you will not escape a sentence of exile for three thousand miles. However, our household is not unreasonable, right?"

Deng Jian suddenly became agitated, his thoughts in disarray, wondering whether he should first break his hands or his legs... Ha... Considering his filial piety towards Elder Deng, perhaps it would be better to gouge out his eyes first. Elder Deng has been honest all his life; he cannot tarnish his reputation because of this. Amitabha, well done, well done.

The Duke expressed his expectations to Deng Jian, nodding and saying: "We are well aware of your loyalty. Now, there is a matter we need you to handle. From this moment on, you will follow his orders, do not ask too many questions, just heed his instructions. If you perform well, there will be rewards; however, if you dare to entertain any ill intentions, we will take your life. Do you understand?"

Xu Qian increasingly felt the possibility of being silenced by someone, and hurriedly said: "If this is the result of someone scheming behind the scenes, then this person, after stealing the calligraphy from the Grandfather, will certainly publicize the matter to undermine him..." Xu Qian's words were meant to inform Grandfather Wang that this matter could not be concealed; even if one were to resort to murder to silence it, it would be futile. He continued: "Moreover, this calligraphy has just been swapped out. In my humble estimation, the thief must be someone from the Grandfather's household, likely bribed to take such a risk. Since the calligraphy was stolen not long ago, there may still be a chance to recover it. Grandfather can immediately send someone to investigate, and time is of the essence; there is still room for remedy in this matter." He went on: "Moreover, this calligraphy has just been swapped out. In my humble estimation, the thief must be someone from the Grandfather's household, likely bribed to take such a risk. Since the calligraphy was stolen not long ago, there may still be a chance to recover it. Grandfather can immediately send someone to investigate, and time is of the essence; there is still room for remedy in this matter."

Xu Qian's name contains the character 'Qian', which naturally implies a need for humility. In truth, he also desires to be flamboyant, but lacks the means to do so; thus, it is wiser to remain low-key. Observing the numerous calligraphies and paintings adorning the room of this deceased eunuch, one can surmise that he was a cultured individual in life. Historically, literati have looked down upon one another; if one were to speak too boastfully, the deceased eunuch might take offense. Should the eunuch's sordid thoughts be unleashed, it could lead to self-castration, leaving one with no recourse to argue their case.

The eunuch Wang suddenly transformed from a fierce Vajra into a smiling living Buddha, which left Xu Qian at a loss. This dead eunuch really is something; he knows how quickly he can change his demeanor, but at least he should give people a little psychological preparation, shouldn't he

Deng Jian entered in a state of confusion, first glancing in astonishment at Xu Qian, and maliciously thought: Has this Xu fellow not been dragged out to feed the dogs yet? When did Wang Gonggong become so good-tempered?

When Wang Gonggong spoke of him, he pointed at Xu Qian with his hand

Seeing that Xu Qian did not refuse, the face of Grand Eunuch Wang brightened considerably, and he put on a smile, saying: "We have entrusted you with the task of investigating the whereabouts of this calligraphy. This matter is of great importance, and it is best that as few people as possible know about it. As long as you can uncover its whereabouts, this palace will naturally reward you generously."

The eunuch Wang was left in a state of confusion, yet he saw Xu Qian continue: "Look at this piece of calligraphy; it does not resemble a work created in one go. The strokes here are so smooth, clearly it has been traced. Eunuch Wang, I would stake my life on it, this piece has been swapped, and furthermore..." Xu Qian pressed his hand firmly against the ink on the calligraphy, and with a strong rub, a faint layer of ink was already on his fingertip. Xu Qian continued: "Moreover, the swap could not have happened long ago, just within the last three to five days..." Xu Qian pressed his hand firmly against the ink on the calligraphy again, and with a strong rub, a faint layer of ink was already on his fingertip. Xu Qian continued: "Moreover, the swap could not have happened long ago, just within the last three to five days. However, what is puzzling is that this piece is not a rare treasure; it has no inscriptions or seals from nobility. What use is there in stealing this piece?"

This is the carrot and the stick, and Xu Qian felt deeply distressed; this is the disadvantage of being powerless and without influence

Just check it!

"Your Excellency, this humble servant Deng Jian has come to pay his respects to you. May you enjoy eternal blessings." Deng Jian immediately put on a sycophantic smile, his small eyes squinting into a line, revealing his teeth in a neat display.

The esteemed elder has summoned me, and I am willing to go through fire and water for him. I have long heard of the elder's noble reputation, and I am delighted to be able to serve him. How could I possibly refuse such an opportunity?

This has nothing to do with Xu Qian; what Xu Qian is currently contemplating is whether he can extricate himself and whether Lord Wang might spare him considering his role in exposing the calligraphy.

Xu Qian said: "I know a little, merely by chance"

The official Wang solemnly stated: "Reconciliation? Hmph, the fewer people who know about this matter, the better. Since it was someone from the residence who committed the theft, if we were to give orders, it is likely that this news would reach the ears of the thief in the next moment. Human hearts are difficult to gauge; we cannot take this risk."

Shameless! Xu Qian cursed inwardly

At this thought, Xu Qian felt a chill run down his neck and couldn't help but wonder if the dead eunuch would silence him. Oh my, I have an elderly father in his forties and several large chickens below; life is indeed very precious

The expression on Wang Gonggong's face changed again, and he smiled ominously at Xu Qian, saying: "Then let's settle both the new and old accounts together. What do you think? Have you thought it through?"

Xu Qian smiled confidently and said, "No need to distinguish, this is fake. Grandfather, look, this layer of mounting paper still carries a hint of dampness; generally, only brand new mounting paper would be like this. However, this piece of calligraphy has been hanging in your hall for some time, and it should have dried out by now. Any mounting paper that has dried out is quite brittle, which is due to insufficient moisture."

The elder smiled gently, as if bathed in the spring breeze, like dark clouds suddenly dispersed by the spring wind. He kindly remarked, "It is rare for someone so young to understand calligraphy and painting, and to be humble as well. Very good, very good."

Xu Qian, having lived two lives, surely understands the ways of human relationships and the complexities of the world. When a deceased eunuch suddenly praises himself, it is undoubtedly not out of good intentions; it is likely that there is something ulterior to follow.

Xu Qian felt a sense of triumph in his heart, saying, "Brother Deng, there will come a day when you too fall into my hands!" He then slyly chuckled to himself.

However, judging by the situation, it seems that the person is wielding a kitchen knife, insisting that you must accept their benefits

Deng Jian? Presumably, this individual belongs to the members guarding the periphery of the eunuch's office. In any case, Master Wang does not have much impression of this person, thus he said: "Please wait a moment, I will go and inquire."

He randomly summoned someone to inquire about Deng Jian's situation, and then instructed them to call Deng Jian in.

Moreover

The official Wang immediately smiled and said, "The matter has already occurred, and the most urgent thing now is to remedy it. Our family has a kind heart; you are still young, so how could we push you into the fire pit? How about this: there is a task here for you to do. If you do it well, all past grievances will be wiped clean. But if you do not do it well..."

Xu Qian could not help but glance at Wang Gonggong, noticing his ashen face. From his expression and words, it seemed that he had inferred the significance of this piece of calligraphy to Wang Gonggong. It was precisely for this reason that someone had taken the opportunity to swap the calligraphy. This indicated that the matter was entangled in political struggles. Reflecting on Wang Gonggong's previous cautious demeanor, Xu Qian thought to himself that this painting was something Wang Gonggong could not afford to lose. Now that it had been stolen, he was unwilling for more people to know about it.

Benefits ... Xu Qian was in tears; he did not want any benefits, for the benefits of a eunuch were not so easily obtained