Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Five, Part Two)

I cannot hide!" Wang Xun paused for a moment and made a solemn decision. "The monk can run, but the temple cannot. If I really hide, a small matter might turn into a big issue. I really have to go in; the Qin brothers will not stand by and do nothing. As for you, hurry back home. If your grandfather investigates, either you will know nothing, or you will push all the blame onto me and Yu Wenzhi. Do not hold on stubbornly!" If your grandfather investigates, either you will know nothing, or you will push all the blame onto me and Yu Wenzhi. Do not hold on stubbornly!

I don't know? Second brother, you should hide quickly. It's not just that Yu Wen kid; the authorities have arrested many people today! Ma Fang was completely unaware, yet he remained concerned about his friend's safety

What has he done this time that the authorities want to arrest him? Having already experienced being deceived by Yuwen Zhi yesterday, Wang Xun's demeanor today was much calmer. He stepped forward to hold the weeping Ma Fang, seated him properly on the stool, handed him a cup of water, and then, in a leisurely manner, began to inquire further.

Seeing him frown and remain silent for a long time, Ma Fang wiped away her tears and softly added: "Yue Lian seems to have heard that bastard Yu Wende say that this time, Yu is not going to count on you to back him up. It seems that your name is also on the list of people the authorities are looking to arrest!"

"Mind your own business!" Wang Xun turned over and jumped onto the horse's back, spurring it with his feet, and flew away at great speed.

"It was Yue Lian who told me. She seems to have heard it from that bastard Yu Wende!" Ma Fang, who had just stopped crying, grimaced and began to complain again. "That bastard Yu Wende bullies Zida because he is a bastard child, so when trouble arises, he immediately wants to drive him and his mother out of the house. All the money and property that Zida earned in the past have been completely seized by that bastard Yu Wende, leaving Zida with nothing at all!"

Can that woman be trusted to keep her word? What kind of person is her brother Yang Guozhong? Ma Fang shook Wang Xun's arm, urging him to escape quickly. "You should go hide for a while, and come back when the situation calms down. As long as the green mountains remain, one need not worry about firewood..."

Which government office apprehended him? Was it the Wannian County, Chang'an County, or the Jingzhaoyin government office? Wang Xun furrowed his brow and continued to interrogate

Note 1: During the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an was divided into the counties of Chang'an and Wannian, with Zhuque Avenue serving as the boundary. Chang'an was located to the west, while Wannian was to the east. The Jingzhaoyin government oversaw the entire Jingji Road and held a higher rank.

"You really know how to pick a place!" Wang Xun shook his head and smiled bitterly. Pingkang Li is a well-known red-light district in Chang'an, with brothels and casinos lined up next to each other, filling an entire block. If a woman were hidden there, Yu Wende would indeed have a hard time finding her for a while. However, once the news spreads later, the woman's reputation will inevitably be affected.

This shameless person will eventually regret it one day! Wang Xun slammed the table in anger, wishing he could personally drag Yu Wende over and give him a good beating. "Let him be arrogant for a few days first. Who exactly has been arrested? Tell me about it!"

"Yue Lian!" Ma Fang raised her tearful eyes to look at him, "She also heard that bastard Yu Wende say something. Second brother, you should hide quickly. If you get caught too, what will everyone do?"

"It is possible, but the authorities are going to arrest you!" Ma Fang tugged at his sleeve, tearfully advising him.

Yet he is merely a viscount wearing an empty hat. Such noble youths can be found in abundance along Chang'an Street. Their prospects do not compare to the military men who listen to songs today, nor do they match the talented poets who revolve around the white water lilies every day.

As soon as she reached the side of her mount, Bai Xingzhi hurriedly caught up. "Er Lang, Er Lang, what is the matter with you today? Are you perhaps dissatisfied with your sister's neglect?"

Upon thinking of this, and hearing the faint sounds of spring sorrow and the lament of the boudoir, I could not help but feel my heart stir. I longed to immediately call out to Bai Xingzhi and declare before everyone that I wished to provide her with a home. Just as I was lost in this reverie, a sudden sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind me. "Didn’t I tell you not to disturb me?" Wang Xun's spring sorrow was interrupted, and he turned around angrily to shout. The person who had pushed open the door was startled, one foot inside and one foot outside, stammering in response, "Er, Er Ge, it’s, it’s me, it’s me!"

"Then where did you get the news? You should be able to tell me, right?" Wang Xun, both angry and anxious, reached out to pull away Ma Fang's arm, which was wiping away tears. "Stop crying, it’s useless to cry! How do you know that Yu Wenzi Da has been captured? When was he captured? Speak, and only then can you cry again."

"Bah!" Wang Xun couldn't help but laugh at his naive appearance. "Still in prison, huh? Do you believe that if you voluntarily step forward to take the blame, the authorities won't come after you? Your esteemed father would beat you to death. By then, it would be just right for those aunts of yours who are eyeing the family head position for the children! Going home, I just figured it out. Those who were captured either have already fallen from grace or their fathers have just lost power. By then, it would be just right for those aunts of yours who are eyeing the family head position for the children! Going home, I just figured it out. Those who were captured either have already fallen from grace or their fathers have just lost power. Your Ma family definitely isn't among them. As long as your grandfather is still standing, the authorities won't dare to come looking for trouble!"

Let’s not mention these anymore, since you have found me now!" Wang Xun waved his hand, interrupting in a low voice, "You just said that the authorities have arrested many people. Do you still remember clearly who they are?

I will also return home for a while. It is better to make arrangements in advance to avoid the officials coming to my door, unable to find me, and disturbing others Wang Xun sighed, grabbed his cloak, and walked down the stairs

"Where is Yue Lian now?" Wang Xun knew that if he continued to ask, Ma Fang would not be able to provide any useful information. He interrupted Ma Fang's lamentation and quietly inquired.

What do you know! Bai Xingzhi slapped Xiaoping, and still not satisfied, rushed up and kicked Xiaoping's legs twice, saying, "It's all your fault, it's all your fault, always coming up with these ridiculous ideas..."

Since meeting herself, she has known full well that it is impossible to marry into the Wang family as the legitimate wife, yet she still flatters herself, fearing that one day she might become unhappy and no longer come to support her. Others treat her like a treasure, holding her in high regard, but she looks down on them. Only she can freely enter her boudoir, casually approach her beauty, and act as she pleases.

Alright, I am not angry. There is indeed something going on. I may not come by often recently. You keep an eye on her and don't let anyone bully her. Otherwise, I will definitely not spare that troublemaker!" In order to protect Bai Xingzhi from being troubled, Wang Xun left a harsh remark and quickly walked out.

Wang Mingyun, Wang Mingyun, what virtues and abilities do you possess that allow Miss Xingzhi to wait for you in solitude until old age?

She merely desires a stable life, yet you can provide it; why are you so reluctant to give?

It seems there is Xue Zijing from Hongdefang. There is also Liu Xiong from Shengpingfang. Additionally, there is someone with the surname Zheng, whose grandfather served as the governor of Guangzhou and held the position of *tu* *shu*. And, and, right, there is also Xiao Changshan, who came to the East Market last year to cause trouble and was beaten to the point of fleeing in panic by you. And, and, there are others, but I can't remember them all; in any case, there are many.

You just collided with the carriage of the Lady of Guo State yesterday and still claim that nothing happened!" Ma Fang, in a fit of anxiety, blurted out a rebuttal. "What is the current background of the Yang family? Three wives, one imperial concubine, and a current vice prime minister..."

That brothel was secretly funded by that young man, Yu Wen. He took me there to show off last time!" Ma Fang glared with red eyes, protesting in a low voice

The individuals he mentioned, Wang Xun had a vague impression of them all. They were all scions of noble families, who usually acted with impunity within the city of Chang'an. However, these individuals typically either had grievances against one another or had long ceased to interact; how could they suddenly be swept up together by the authorities? It is truly perplexing.

I do not see Wang Xun taking on the demeanor of someone preparing for their final arrangements, while Ma Fang began to sob again. "I have sworn to share both blessings and hardships with you. A man must keep his word; a vow cannot be treated lightly. If you do not hide, I will not hide either. At worst, I will accompany you to prison"

Having vented my feelings, I suddenly looked up and saw many guests heading out, all staring at me in astonishment. I felt increasingly ashamed, covering my face with my hands, and lowered my head as I made my way back to the small building where I lived

"And what about you?" Ma Fang was taken aback by his confident demeanor, raising her tearful eyes to ask.

"Two, Second Brother, something bad has happened. The kid Yu Wen has been captured by the authorities!" Seeing Wang Xun's tone soften, Ma Fang's mouth twisted into a grimace, and he began to sob.

"I haven't done anything wrong, why would the authorities arrest me?" Wang Xun felt as anxious as if a hundred claws were scratching at him, yet he had to force himself to appear calm. This matter certainly could not be expected to be handled by Ma Fang; Ma Xiaozai had been subdued by his grandfather, and if he were truly called to court, he would undoubtedly admit to all the wrongs he had never committed. The Qin brothers were definitely not on the authorities' arrest list. First, they rarely caused trouble. Second, their family background was too deep; no one would easily want to provoke them. The Qin brothers were definitely not on the authorities' arrest list. First, they rarely caused trouble. Second, their family background was too deep; no one would easily want to provoke them.

I do not know! The Malaysian side, like a child without a mother meeting a relative, cried and expressed their grievances even more pitifully.

The Lady of Guo State once said that she would not pursue the matter Wang Xun gently shook his head, yet he felt no confidence at all in his heart Relying on his family's background to bully others, he had certainly done a bit of this with Yu Wenzhi, Ma Fang, and others, and had once taken pride in it Now, being bullied by an even greater force, he realized how flimsy the power he usually relied on was, leaving him with no place to voice his grievances

Hiding? Wang Xun quickly walked to the window and looked outside. There was no one lying in wait below; he had been overly cautious. It was certainly still possible to escape now. However, deep within, a strong sense of shame firmly held him back. "Hiding, I have hidden, but what about the others at home? Aunt Yun is a woman. I have no brothers to support this family."

"Shouzheng, how did you find your way here!" Wang Xun was also taken aback, furrowing his brows, his face full of confusion

After a series of interruptions, Wang Xun finally grasped the general situation. It turned out that after parting ways with him, Ma Fang, feeling equally bored, went to Yu Wenzhi's home to inquire if he had fallen ill. At the entrance of Yongningfang, he happened to encounter Yu Wenzhi's personal maid, Yue Lian, who was crying as she ran out. Upon stopping her to ask, he learned that early this morning, just as dawn was breaking, a group of officials had blocked Yu Wenzhi's door and taken him away. By the time it was already the third hour of the morning, he had not yet been released. Yu Wenzhi's half-brother, Yu Wende, worked as a minor official in the Ministry of Works, and usually did not manage the household. Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that this morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yu Wenzhi had been taken away by a group of officials. By the time it was already the third hour of the morning, he had not yet been released. Yu Wende, who was Yu Wenzhi's half-brother, worked as a minor official in the Ministry of Works and typically did not oversee the household. His meager annual salary was hardly enough for one person to squander. The family relied entirely on Yu Wenzhi's earnings from outside to maintain an appearance of affluence in front of others. However, today, this brother, who had undoubtedly benefited from his younger brother, suddenly asserted his authority, took leave from work, and returned home, claiming he would rectify the family affairs in the name of the elder brother. With Yu Wenzhi missing, Yue Lian, Yi Mo, and the other members of the second branch could not withstand the first branch's opportunistic actions and had no choice but to sneak out and seek help.

Ah! Hong Gu lost her balance and almost fell directly to the ground. "Young Lord!" she said with a smile on her face, but her voice had already begun to tremble. "Young Lord, please do not be angry. Xing Zhi, she, Xing Zhi, today..."

The guests at the Bai Xing Zhi side have not yet dispersed. Aunt Hong from Jin Hua Lou, seeing that the esteemed guests Wang Xun and Ma Fang both had gloomy expressions, assumed they were blaming her for inadequate hospitality. She hurriedly rushed over from behind with a book, tugging at Wang Xun's sleeve and playfully saying, "Oh my little lord, why are you leaving so soon? I just greeted Miss Bai, and she will come over to attend to you right away. Jing Guan, quickly go check if Miss Bai is done over there"

I, I... Ma Fang was frightened by Wang Xun's rough attitude, tears welling up in her eyes. "I, sob, I have nowhere to go today, and none of you are willing to pay attention to me. I will go find that Yu Wen kid. I had just arrived at the neighborhood where he lives when I saw his personal maid, Yue Lian, running out while crying...

Bai Xingzhi's face immediately turned pale, her lips turned blue, and after enduring for a while, she barely managed to hold back her tears. "This person is ungrateful; sister, just ignore him. Leave him be for a few days, and he will come back obediently on his own!" Seeing this, Xiao Ping'er kindly stepped forward to offer comfort.

I, I hadn't thought of it either. It was just that, just this morning when I heard you say you were going to Pingkangli. So, I brought Yue Lian and the others over there to look for you. Later, when we couldn't find you, I suddenly decided to hide Yue Lian and the others instead. " Ma Fang was quite candid, sniffing a bit, and he spoke intermittently about his reasons for choosing Pingkangli to arrange for Yue Lian's concealment.

Wang Xun merely flicked his sleeve lightly, causing her to stumble. "No need! I have urgent matters today. Let Miss Bai continue her work and do not come out to greet me."

Who said that!" Wang Xun's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he stood up, asking in a deep voice.

Indeed, this time you have hidden it well! Wang Xun, feeling helpless, could only reluctantly offer a compliment. The matter of Yu Wenzhi opening a brothel in Pingkang was not initially concealed from him. However, both he and the Qin brothers believed that such a brothel, which solely engaged in the flesh trade, was a sideline business, yielding little profit and potentially damaging the family reputation if discovered. Therefore, they chose not to invest. They merely facilitated the allocation of personnel to oversee the establishment, allowing Yu Wenzhi to manage it as he pleased. Yet, no one had anticipated that, at a critical moment, a low-end brothel could serve as a very discreet hiding place. Perhaps even Yu Wenzhi himself would find it amusing and perplexing upon hearing about Ma Fang's clever arrangement.

I have hidden her and Yimo in a brothel in Pingkang. She does not dare to return to the Yuwen residence, fearing that Yuwen De will take the opportunity to bully her