Chapter 168: Mei Xiang Garden: The Opera Actor Lou Yuesheng

Wei Chu's intelligence network was ordered disbanded by Chu Danqing.

He did value intelligence channels, but he wasn't so heartless as to make children risk their lives for his information.

Chu Danqing understood that if he were harsher, he might fare better—but he knew what to do and what not to do.

Then, over these few days, he properly arranged new livelihoods for the former members of the intelligence network.

These people had relied on Wei Chu for wages, and their living standards had risen significantly; now that the income had abruptly cut off, the drop was inevitable.

Chu Danqing used the power he'd gained through intimidation to handle it privately.

But he only built the basic framework, guided Wei Chu, then let them handle the rest themselves.

He would leave this trial world eventually; their future path could only be walked by Wei Chu alone.

Chu Danqing couldn't possibly arrange every detail for them.

Moreover, Wei Chu's learning, comprehension, and practical abilities were strong; Chu Danqing had given him the platform—if he couldn't seize it, Chu Danqing couldn't help.

He was willing to lend a hand, but that didn't mean he'd act as a babysitter.

As for signing an alliance with Wei Chu? Forget it.

His alliance with Xiong Zhigang wasn't just for his talent, but because Xiong Zhigang's trial world was unusually special, capable of producing strategic resources.

Investment isn't arbitrary—it requires investigation first.

Is this trial world meant for evaluation? Then it only means high difficulty, not high potential.

The simplest point is that the people in this trial world have average attribute panels—they don't stand out like those in the previous trial world.

Then Chu Danqing stopped interfering, as the three days were up.

Chu Danqing went to the city gate with Da Bao and the Beast-Mask Soldiers to meet them.

Ma Yunfeng, the renowned chancellor of Da Shuo, was returning home today.

Not only he came—Jia Simou and others also came to greet him.

Ma Yunfeng was a chancellor, after all; his homecoming couldn't lack proper pomp.

"Long time no see, Young Master Chu," Ma Yunfeng stepped down from his carriage and greeted Chu Danqing immediately.

He didn't actually know Chu Danqing, but Chen Jiunan had already informed him beforehand.

With Da Bao and the Beast-Mask Soldiers so obviously present, it was natural for Ma Yunfeng to recognize them.

Chu Danqing nodded slightly in response, acting like an old acquaintance.

Jia Simou's heart sank—Chu Danqing's status was higher than he'd imagined.

This scene alone confirmed everything Chu Danqing had claimed; what was fake became real.

It wasn't that Ma Yunfeng was a kind old man—it was that there was profit to be had.

The simplest point: shifting blame onto Chu Danqing.

Everyone gained benefits, everyone paid a price—it was mutual development.

"Elder, a welcoming banquet has been prepared for you at Mei Xiang Opera House; please grace us with your presence."

"Lord Lou Yuesheng, upon hearing of your arrival, specially prepared his signature performance," Jia Simou hurried over, his face beaming with flattery.

He had already confirmed: Ma Yunfeng, the famed chancellor, cared nothing for gold, jewels, beauties, or fine food.

He was obsessed with opera.

Getting him to watch a good play was better than any gift.

Jia Simou needed something from him, so naturally he catered to Ma Yunfeng's tastes.

Ma Yunfeng, looking like a kind old man, stroked his long beard and said: "Jia Provincial Governor, you've thought of everything—let's go to Mei Xiang Garden."

"Lord Lou Yuesheng's martial role—I've long heard of it; now I shall see it for myself."

Jia Simou's face lit up with joy, and he personally took the reins to drive Ma Yunfeng's carriage.

Seeing this, Chu Danqing naturally followed along.

He had promised Chen Jiunan he'd ensure Ma Yunfeng's safety.

He scanned the crowd—no danger detected.

The group arrived safely at Mei Xiang Opera House; everyone inside had been cleared out—it had been rented out entirely by Jia Simou.

Everyone took their seats, and the performance began.

All present appeared cheerful and harmonious.

But mostly, Ma Yunfeng conversed with Chu Danqing; Jia Simou couldn't insert a word.

He bore no resentment—he only feared Ma Yunfeng would suddenly challenge him.

This indifference was normal; what was his status compared to Ma Yunfeng's?

Yet as the play continued, something felt off.

"Jia Provincial Governor, I recall this script should have reached Lord Lou Yuesheng's scene—why has a different martial actor taken his place?" Ma Yunfeng frowned at the stage.

Jia Simou looked closely and realized it was true.

He hadn't paid attention to the play—he'd been distracted.

Ma Yunfeng had come solely for Lou Yuesheng; now that the role was missing, the blame would fall squarely on Jia Simou.

"Elder, please wait a moment—I'll check backstage." Jia Simou hurried off.

Upon inquiry, he learned that early that morning, Lou Yuesheng had vanished without a trace.

The troupe had no choice but to replace him with another actor.

This enraged Jia Simou—but he also felt uneasy.

Lou Yuesheng had no reason to leave on his own.

He'd been paid generously, even better treatment than before.

Actors were low-class, bottom-rung outcasts; no matter how famous, they remained so.

How would he dare offend a Provincial Governor like himself?

After questioning yielded nothing, Jia Simou could only return with a forced smile.

"If he's gone, then let it be," Ma Yunfeng didn't care—he loved opera and music, but he wouldn't rage over such a small matter.

Yet Jia Simou suddenly felt immense pressure.

Soon, the act ended; as the curtain slowly drew shut, a heavy object fell from the top of the stage.

It hit the ground with a thud, startling many.

It was a large sack stained with dark red, dried blood, landing with a heavy thump.

The impact caused secondary damage, and fresh blood seeped out again.

Jia Simou's face turned pale.

He already knew where the missing Lou Yuesheng had gone.

Chu Danqing and Ma Yunfeng remained expressionless.

Jia Simou apologized and immediately ordered an investigation.

When the sack was opened, it was indeed Lou Yuesheng—but his body was unrecognizable.

No one could tell if the torture occurred before or after death.

Everyone present knew this was aimed at Jia Simou—to ruin his plans.

Chu Danqing sent the Zhi Ge Soldiers to inspect the body; they returned shortly.

"Professional work—throat slit first, then heart pierced. No resistance, no sound."

"The current state of the body was post-mortem dismemberment," the Zhi Ge Soldier summarized.

"In my view, this isn't aimed at Jia Provincial Governor—it's aimed at me," Ma Yunfeng said coldly. "Jia Provincial Governor, your jurisdiction is lax."

"There are such vicious criminals in Lin Yuan City," Ma Yunfeng said, filled with disappointment, rising to leave.

Chu Danqing was puzzled—he couldn't figure out who was behind this.

In his view, the prime suspect was clearly Zhao Ming Hui.

After all, Zhao Ming Hui gained the most—so their suspicion was highest.

Chu Danqing followed them out, about to board his war chariot, when Ma Yunfeng invited him: "Young Master Chu, my carriage is far more comfortable than your bumpy war chariot."

"Why not ride with me?"

Clearly, he had something to say to Chu Danqing.

Chu Danqing didn't refuse—he stepped directly into the carriage.

"Something happened," Ma Yunfeng whispered once inside. "Lou Yuesheng is a covert agent of Zhao Ming Hui. Today's performance was meant to be our meeting."

"I planned to use him as a breakthrough to investigate the Bai Xiaohe and Yang Wenju case."

Three simple sentences left Chu Danqing stunned—it was completely unexpected.

"So Jia Simou staged this himself?" Since Zhao Ming Hui was ruled out, it must be Jia Simou.

He sensed Lou Yuesheng's situation, acted first to eliminate the threat, and simultaneously delivered a warning to Ma Yunfeng.

But Ma Yunfeng shook his head: "It doesn't seem like it. So I want you to investigate why Lou Yuesheng died."

"I suspect something's off."

"I'll be focused on cleaning up Lin Yuan City—I won't have time. I'm counting on you."

As soon as he finished speaking, a side quest refreshed.

【Side Quest: Uncover the truth behind Lou Yuesheng's death within three days】

【Trial Difficulty: A-Rank (Hero）】

【Trial Reward: Paradise Points ×10000, Attribute Points +4】

【Trial Failure: Paradise Points -20000, Random Attribute -1】

Chu Danqing accepted it casually and asked, "Is it this urgent?"

"Very urgent," Ma Yunfeng said directly. "When you saved Chen Jiunan, thirty Ironclad Guards died."

"That's no small number. The matter reached the Empress Dowager's ears, and she used it as an excuse to order Commander Qi Qianshan to purge the rebels."

"We both know what this is really about."

"According to my estimate, Qi Qianshan will arrive in LinYuan City with his troops within five days at most."

"I must seize control of the situation within five days if I'm to have any real chance of confronting Qi Qianshan." Ma Yunfeng understood this was unavoidable.

The difficulties of the previous A-rank side quest were beginning to take effect.

That meant only if he completed this side quest within three days might he be able to resolve the lingering problems from the previous one.

That implied Lou Yuesheng's death was probably not so simple.

"Fine, I'll do my best," Chu Danqing could only agree—he had already accepted the quest.

As for how to investigate, Chu Danqing had no idea yet, so he needed leverage.

"I need real authority. I'll get it done for you within three days." Chu Danqing said bluntly.

Otherwise, was he really expected to investigate this case alone? What could he possibly uncover that way?

Ma Yunfeng gave Chu Danqing a meaningful look and said, "The earliest I can give it to you is tomorrow. Today is impossible—I still need to set things in motion."

He'd only entered LinYuan City one day ago; even speed has its limits.

"Fine, but today you must use your name as Ma Xiang." Chu Danqing continued.

"No problem—use it freely," Ma Yunfeng agreed without hesitation.

(End of Chapter)