Chapter Twenty: Emerging One After Another

As the wedding date approached, Du Zihong paced anxiously at home, wishing he could go to Jiangzhou himself and drag Du Zhong back.

"This is getting more and more outrageous! The groom is about to be married, yet he’s still running around everywhere, neglecting his proper duties!" Du Zihong’s face was livid with anger.

Madam Du retorted disapprovingly, "Zhong’er is out investigating a case. How is that neglecting his duties?"

"Investigating cases! Is that all he ever does? The wedding is nearly here, and if the groom isn’t present, who will the bride marry?"

"Didn’t you send Zhong’er a letter a few days ago? Once he reads it, he’ll surely hurry back."

Du Zihong’s eyebrows knotted fiercely. "Enough, enough, you’ll be the death of me!"

Jiangzhou

"My lord, I’ve found out that a month ago, Lin He got into a dispute with the son of the county registrar of Jiangzhou Jang County in the marketplace and accidentally killed him. Lin He then fled," Wang Chengcheng reported.

"So, Lin Songchang exchanged his life for his son’s, sacrificing himself to save Lin He," Du Zhong said, rising to his feet. It seemed he still needed to start from the Su family.

The Su family was a wealthy merchant clan, owning eighteen shops, mainly dealing in silks, medicine, and tea.

Master Su Chengfeng was known far and wide for his charitable nature. Both his sons were shrewd and capable, each able to manage affairs on their own.

No one had expected that in a single night, the entire family would meet a violent end, leaving the people of Jiangzhou shaken and sorrowful.

Amid the information Du Zhong had gathered, one detail caught his attention. The Su family’s old steward, Cheng Yuan, had suddenly left four years ago for no apparent reason, and his position had remained vacant ever since.

Du Zhong tried looking for Cheng Yuan, but it was as if the man had vanished into thin air.

That day, as Du Zhong was about to head to the Su residence, a young boy ran over and stuffed a slip of paper into his hand. Looking around warily, Du Zhong found a secluded spot before opening it:

"By the Wuyai River, when Stone Bell Mountain rings."

Du Zhong rolled up the note and clenched it tightly in his palm.

He and Wang Chengcheng hurried to the Wuyai River, where an old man was slowly rowing a small boat toward them.

Coming ashore, the old man took off his rain cape and smiled, "You’ve been waiting long, haven’t you?"

"Once I read the note, I came immediately."

"You’re very clever," the old man nodded.

Wang Chengcheng scratched his head. "My lord, I know Wuyai River is a place, but what does it mean, ‘when Stone Bell Mountain rings’?"

"Su Zizhan once sailed a small boat at night and learned the origin of Stone Bell Mountain’s name. This old gentleman means that if we want the truth, we should come find him."

Realization dawned on Wang Chengcheng, and he whispered admiringly, "My lord, no one is as sharp as you."

"If I’m not mistaken, sir, you are Cheng Yuan, the Su family steward."

The old man nodded. "Yes, I am Cheng Yuan. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

"Sir, please tell me the truth," Du Zhong asked directly.

"The truth? And what difference will it make if you know?" The old man’s eyes were filled with grief.

"It can clear the innocent and bring the wicked to justice."

The old man laughed bitterly, hands clasped behind his back, anger flashing in his eyes. "In this world, what meaning is there in distinguishing good from evil? What are common folk? Once caught up in power struggles, ordinary people are worth less than ants."

"What happened to the Song family was no surprise to me."

"Could you explain in detail?"

The old man glanced at him. "I knew they wouldn’t let me go. For days now, I’ve stayed away from my family, busy just staying alive. I’m tired of living like this."

Four years ago, the Second Prince Yuan Mian and Minister of Works Huang Han came to Jiangzhou under the pretense of building irrigation works. Through Wang Tuo, they contacted the merchant Su Chengfeng.

Su Chengfeng had extensive trade with the southern states, famous for their weapons and fine horses. The Second Prince wanted Su Chengfeng to purchase a vast number of weapons and steeds for him.

"My master at first refused, but he was never content with his lowly status as a merchant. The Second Prince promised that if my master helped him, he would be granted a high official rank once his plans succeeded."

Cheng Yuan sighed. "I pleaded with my master not to get involved in such a dangerous affair. If it was exposed, disaster would befall the Su family. But he wouldn't listen. Unable to persuade him, I left the family."

He paused. "Two years later, my master fell gravely ill. The eldest son began managing the household and was always against his father’s dealings. Now, he tried to find a way out. He came to me for advice, but by then the situation was beyond saving and needed careful planning."

"Who would have thought the eldest son, acting on impulse, went straight to Prefect Wang to confess everything? I didn’t see him for days after that, and soon the news came that the Su family had been wiped out. I never expected they would pin the crime on Lin Songchang. I don’t know why he confessed, but I know he was innocent."

He let out a long, weary sigh. "Political intrigue is a tempest beyond the understanding of ordinary people like us."

Du Zhong’s heart lurched. The prince’s intentions were clear as day.

If weapons were being forged, there must be many soldiers involved. When the time came, the blow would be swift and deadly. Could Hu Xiaolin’s death also be connected to all this?

"Sir, I need you to come with me to the capital."

Cheng Yuan waved him off. "I am done with worldly affairs. I only wish to spend what little time I have left in peace."

"But you are a crucial witness."

Cheng Yuan smiled and shook his head. "Please don’t make things difficult for an old man."

Du Zhong’s brow furrowed. "I'm worried for your safety."

"Don’t worry. This place is well-hidden and safe."

"Very well, I won’t force you."

"Today I’ve told you all I know. The rest is in your hands."

Du Zhong clasped his hands in thanks. "Time is short, so I must take my leave. Please take care of yourself. Farewell."

In this case, there were no truly innocent parties. Everyone was ensnared by their own desires and ambitions, unable to break free.

Thus, on the edge between life and death, one unwilling life after another was drawn in, and the undercurrents of turmoil in the world quietly spread.

But where were the weapons hidden? The Minister of Works held high office—how could he investigate? Would His Majesty believe him?

Du Zhong hurried away, failing to notice someone behind him pressing a sword to Cheng Yuan’s throat. Before Cheng Yuan could cry out, a bloom of blood appeared on his neck.

He struggled, uttering a few strange sounds, and then collapsed softly to the ground.

The killer sneered, "Old fool, if you hadn’t followed Du Zhong, I never would have found you."