Chapter 295: Side Story: Joy Record Seven (Supplementary Update)

Side Story: Joy Record Seven (Supplementary Update)

If one were to ask what kind of woman Pei Yaoguang dislikes most in his life, then the top spot would be a woman who shows off*. And this middle-aged woman before him, though clearly not young, is dressed all in bright red, affecting a sway as she walks, her face painted with rouge and powder, and even her voice carries an obvious odd smell… So from the first glance, Pei Yaoguang felt an inexplicable dislike.

Pei Yaoguang is not someone who likes to control his own preferences; his expression immediately turned somewhat unpleasant. But thinking of official business, he still forced himself to press his lips together, then stepped forward.

「Get a room! 」

「Hehe~, looking for a lodging, how nice~! Don't hide it from you, sir, my Blessing Arrival Inn is indeed the best inn in Willow Success County; everyone coming from south or north knows it. You really have good taste……」

Although Willow Success County was bustling with traffic, the innkeeper's wife, Madam Xu, had never before encountered a distinguished young master like Pei Yaoguang.

Madam Xu had a keen eye for people; she was spot‑on in judging them. So, the moment she saw Pei Yaoguang step down from the carriage in the shop, she felt he was unlike anyone else. He bore an aristocratic air, his frame tall and sturdy, and with a handsome face, she—who was usually * deep‑down—was instantly captivated. She babbled on, almost throwing herself at him.

As for Madam Xu, Pei Yaoguang already disliked her; hearing her endless chatter made his expression grow even uglier, and without letting her finish, he directly interrupted her.

「A top‑grade room! Give me the best! 」

Speaking thus, to avoid another word with Madam Xu, Pei Yaoguang pulled out a silver ingot and tossed it over. Although Madam Xu had initially seen his unpleasant expression and thought to behave herself a bit, the moment she felt the heavy ingot in her hand, her eyes lit up.

Oh dear, my little darling~! This young lad is not only good‑looking, he really is a wealthy household!

In that instant, Madam Xu's heart leapt with joy! The little flame that had slightly dwindled due to Pei Yaoguang's coldness instantly shot up high.

「Oh dear, sir, you're so straightforward! Good, good, good, I'll personally show you upstairs……」

Saying this, Madam Xu reached to pull Pei Yaoguang, but just then she noticed a woman wearing a veiled hat standing beside him.

Shui Yun had remained silent, for the veiled hat hid her face from Madam Xu. Yet at this very moment, based purely on intuition, she felt without thinking that the woman was a beauty!

A woman's sixth sense is always keen. At this moment, Madam Xu, upon recalling that Pei Yaoguang had just asked for an upper room, instantly understood, raised her eyebrows in a smile, and grabbed Shui Yun's hand.

「Oh dear, this must be the young lady, truly a beauty! Come, come, come, sister will take the young lady upstairs~! 」

Madam Xu, no stranger to handling situations, although she had taken a liking to Pei Yaoguang at first sight, did not, like ordinary women, openly show hostility toward Shui Yun; her scheming was indeed meticulous.

Thus, Madam Xu led Shui Yun to the upper room in the rear courtyard. Although Shui Yun, like Pei Yaoguang, detested her intensely, for the sake of the bigger picture she did not simply shake off Madam Xu's hold, and followed her all the way to the temporary guest room.

……

Although the Blessing Arrival Inn is indeed the finest and largest inn in Willow Success County, it ultimately cannot compare to the luxurious inns of the capital. Still, it is far superior to the small county inns they had stayed in before. The room was reasonably clean, and upon entering, Shui Yun, who had endured the whole journey, finally found a chance to slip away from Madam Xu and silently walked to stand behind Pei Yaoguang.

Shui Yun remained silent; with the veiled hat obscuring her face and her slender figure, she gave the impression of a shy young wife, and even in Madam Xu's eyes she seemed somewhat timid, which made Madam Xu inwardly pleased.

「Yo~, she seems unaware of charm! But that's actually good— as long as I seize the opportunity……

Madam Xu's thoughts ran wild. Meanwhile, Pei Yaoguang's patience was clearly almost exhausted, and he lowered his voice to say.

「What are you standing there for? Hurry and prepare some water—I need to wash up! 」

Pei Yaoguang loathed her intensely, only wanting to get rid of her quickly, but Madam Xu was not annoyed; instead she thought he had spirit, and deliberately gave a hundred‑fold charming smile before walking out.

Anyway, having finally seen off Madam Xu, Pei Yaoguang flung the door shut, then turned and sat in the chair inside the room.

Madam Xu had spoiled Pei Yaoguang's mood, and although they had exchanged few words along the way, Shui Yun could see that he was now irritated. But Shui Yun was no ordinary woman; seeing his gloom, she did not resort to flirtatious talk, for she had not forgotten why she had come. So, seeing Pei Yaoguang sit down, she also sat, removed her veiled hat, and directly said to him.

「Now that we've reached Willow Success County, what are your plans? When will you go to the county office? Or should we first observe the situation? 」

Shui Yun's question was direct; upon hearing it, Pei Yaoguang instantly gathered his thoughts and then leaned back habitually.

「Do you think anyone has been following us on this journey? 」

Pei Yaoguang's question was a bit off‑topic, but Shui Yun still answered directly.

「Probably not— at least I haven't noticed anything. 」

「Good, then. In that case, we might wait a couple of days, first go into town to get a feel for Willow Success County's situation, and then head to the county office. 」

Pei Yaoguang's decision also had its own considerations. For one thing, the true nature behind this case is still unknown. But it is certain that if the mastermind behind the scenes knew he was investigating this case, they would certainly not let it rest. Therefore, if Shui Yun said someone had been following them on the way, that would indicate the opposing party already knew his moves, and he would then certainly have to go straight to the county office to interrogate the detained Madam Pan.

But if the other side had not yet learned of it, he could afford to delay a bit. After all, Willow Success County is not under the capital's jurisdiction, and Pei Yaoguang is unfamiliar with the place; if possible, it would be wiser first to gather information about the situation.

Although Pei Yaoguang appeared arrogant and overconfident on the surface, he was actually meticulous. Shui Yun, too, was a sharp person and naturally understood. Upon hearing this, she nodded, and the two then resumed discussing the case and their subsequent plans.

But just as they were speaking seriously, Shui Yun suddenly stirred, raised her hand to signal Pei Yaoguang to be quiet, then turned her head toward the door… and at that very moment, they heard a laugh from outside, and without knocking, someone walked straight in.

「Sir, the hot water is here~! 」

Whether Madam Xu's entrance was unintentional or deliberate, it seemed as if walking in without greeting was just natural to her. Seeing her barge in like that, Pei Yaoguang's expression instantly darkened.

Pei Yaoguang's expression was grim, yet Madam Xu had already regarded him as a conquest to be won. Moreover, as the hot water was brought in and she saw that Shui Yun made no move to act, her heart stirred, and she could not help but say with a smile.

「You look like a person of wealth and status, sir— where do you come from? 」

「…」

「Hehe~, it looks like you're tired, sir— indeed, after all this dust and travel, you certainly seem destined for riches; you probably haven't endured any hardship, and the young lady also appears delicate……」

Pei Yaoguang remained silent; Madam Xu chattered on without feeling the slightest embarrassment. And if that were all, it would be fine, but what was unexpected was that, while speaking, she walked over to the side, picked up a cloth, dipped it in the hot water, and approached Pei Yaoguang as if to wipe his face!

This time, Pei Yaoguang truly blew his top! Without a thought, he snatched the cloth away and glared at Madam Xu.

「What are you doing? 」

「Um…… I was just thinking that you and the young lady are tired, so……

Madam Xu's words were naturally just excuses. Having seen shameless people before, he had never encountered someone this brazen. Thus, without letting her finish, Pei Yaoguang directly interrupted her.

「Don't bother yourself, make way for me—I'm tired, and I don't need your fawning! 」

Pei Yaoguang's words hit the mark; as his voice fell, it seemed to confirm his point, and he casually tossed the cloth into Shui Yun's hands.

Shui Yun had remained silent all along; she naturally understood Madam Xu's every word and deed. Upon hearing Pei Yaoguang say that, and even seeing him throw the cloth to her, she was taken aback, grasped his meaning, yet felt reluctant; but upon looking at Madam Xu, she could only press her lips together silently, step forward to stand before Pei Yaoguang, and at the same time speak to Madam Xu.

「Madam Innkeeper, please don't trouble yourself—my husband naturally has me to look after him, so you needn't worry! 」

Shui Yun's tone was flat, giving no hint of joy or anger, yet it still made Madam Xu startle.

After all, in Madam Xu's view, this young woman who never spoke seemed an easy target to bully, yet looking at her appearance and hearing her voice, she inexplicably sensed a chill coming from her.

Madam Xu was no fool, but equally bold. The * deep‑down, plus Pei Yaoguang's outstanding excellence, was enough to stir her heart. Meanwhile, Shui Yun realized that this was not something that could be understood from a single remark; her heart sank, and she reached out to lay the cloth over Pei Yaoguang's face.

Shui Yun's action was merely an act for Madam Xu's sake. But Madam Xu refused to leave; seeing this, Shui Yun's expression also darkened, and she turned her gaze to Madam Xu.

「May I ask if there's anything else? 」

Shui Yun's voice carried a hint of chill. Upon hearing this, Madam Xu startled, and while looking at Shui Yun truly about to wipe Pei Yaoguang's face, she could only press her lips together and force a smile.

「Hehe~, hearing the young lady's words, I, Sister, merely wanted to chat with you young couple—after all, I've run this inn for so long, I've never seen anyone as outstanding as you sir and this young lady, so naturally I wanted to get closer~! But seeing that you two are also tired, I, Sister, won't disturb you any longer; I'll have someone bring up food for both of you shortly—just call me if you need anything~! 」

Knowing she had no role to play, Lady Xu stopped showing off*, but she still couldn't help glancing at Pei Yaoguang before turning and walking out.

……

Lady Xu finally left, and only then did Shui Yun focus her thoughts on Pei Yaoguang before her; lowering her gaze, she met a pair of clear eyes!

Over these days, although they had been pretending to be husband and wife, Shui Yun and Pei Yaoguang each kept propriety, and had never been this close before. At this moment, Shui Yun's hand holding the cloth remained on Pei Yaoguang's face; even through the cloth, her fingers clearly felt his facial sensation, which instantly made her face heat up, and she reflexively pulled her hand back.

Shui Yun didn't speak, but she reacted quickly; her movement caused Pei Yaoguang to snap back to attention. His gaze shifted, then he barely cleared his throat, reached out to take the cloth that was about to fall from his hand, and immediately resumed his usual arrogance, speaking with utter disdain.

"Hmph, I've seen shameless people before, but never someone this shameless! What a thing, truly despicable!"

Pei Yaoguang could no longer tolerate Lady Xu's boldness. Meanwhile, Shui Yun calmed down and immediately sat in the chair beside her.

"Never mind her for now; the important thing is to focus on the proper business."

"Hmm, though this woman is truly detestable... no, I must change inns!"

Saying that, Pei Yaoguang really stood up, but Shui Yun immediately grabbed his sleeve, stopping him.

"I think that's not appropriate. We've already moved in; if we talk about changing inns, it might raise suspicion, which would actually be worse!"

Shui Yun argued on the merits; hearing her, Pei Yaoguang also understood the point. Although he heartily disliked Lady Xu, he forced himself to sit down.

Seeing that Pei Yaoguang was no longer throwing a tantrum to leave, Shui Yun immediately loosened her grip.

"No matter what, let's attend to the proper business first, though we may have to put on an extra show!"

Shui Yun and Pei Yaoguang both understood the situation. Afterwards, Lady Xu came again to bring dinner; this time it wasn't excessive. After delivering the meal, she left directly. Shui Yun, to be safe, first tasted every dish herself; after confirming nothing was wrong, she let Pei Yaoguang start eating. Although Pei Yaoguang didn't speak, he couldn't help glancing at Shui Yun an extra time.

After eating, the sky had already darkened; immediately, Shui Yun and Pei Yaoguang each went to rest.

*Nothing more, and in the blink of an eye it was the next day.

Because they had previously agreed not to go to the county office first, the next morning after breakfast, Pei Yaoguang and Shui Yun went straight to Zhao Family Village.

The deceased Zhao Kui was a resident of Zhao Family Village in Liu Cheng County. Zhao Family Village is not far from the county seat, so after a short carriage ride they arrived at their destination.

Upon arriving, Pei Yaoguang asked the villagers about Zhao Kui's household, and whether there were any other members. Upon inquiry, he learned that Zhao Kui's household originally had no siblings, only an elderly mother and a wife, Lady Pan. And since his only son Zhao Kui was cuckolded by his wife, and together with the exterminated husband they killed him, Lady Zhao, in her rage, suffered a heart attack and died within half a month!

Lady Zhao died, Lady Pan was arrested, and the Zhao household was left with no one. Although Pei Yaoguang originally wanted to visit the Zhao residence to look for clues, who would have thought the Zhao family was already deserted, with nothing left. Seeing this, Pei Yaoguang had no choice but to find the Zhao family's old neighbor and ask about Zhao Kui.

Unfortunately, Zhao Kui had left home years earlier and was killed shortly after returning, so even the old neighbor knew little about the present Zhao Kui, only saying that the day he returned was rather rushed, and otherwise knew nothing.

Pei Yaoguang and Shui Yun had made a pointless trip. Afterwards, the two rode the carriage back to town and began inquiring about matters concerning the Liu Cheng County office and Magistrate He.

Thus, Pei Yaoguang and Shui Yun made ample preparations, then waited until the next morning to go straight to the county office. Upon learning that Pei Yaoguang produced the imperial-bestowed gold plaque, Magistrate He was frightened out of his wits, dared not waste words, and personally led the two to the dungeon to see Lady Pan, Zhao Kui's wife.

……

Lady Pan was obviously subjected to severe torture. Magistrate He's liver trembled, but Pei Yaoguang didn't say much. Seeing this, Pei Yaoguang had Magistrate He and the others sent away, leaving only Shui Yun, and without further ado directly questioned Lady Pan.

"Was Zhao Kui killed by you?"

"……Yes……"

Having spent several months in prison, Lady Pan at this point was tortured beyond recognition, wishing only for a quick death. Thus she did not clench her teeth and refuse to speak! Upon hearing Lady Pan's confession, Pei Yaoguang was not surprised; he examined her again carefully, then asked once more.

"Then I ask you: over these years, Zhao Kui has been working away; do you know what he has been doing?"

"I don't know... but Zhao Kui knows a bit of martial arts, so he probably worked as a guard for wealthy families..."

"Then do you know where he has been all these years?"

"I don't know......"

"On the day Zhao Kui returned, did he say anything to you?"

"No......"

"Could it be that Zhao Kui returned and said nothing at all?"

"He said nothing......"

Lady Pan continued to speak weakly; seeing this, Pei Yaoguang frowned involuntarily, but seeing that Lady Pan did not seem to be lying, he had no choice but to stand up. Just then, the listless Lady Pan seemed to recall something and suddenly added,

"Right, I just remembered something... that night I had already prepared to kill Zhao Kui, but it had grown dark, and he suddenly went out. I didn't understand why, so I thought he might have suspected me, and secretly followed him out, only to see him squatting under the locust tree in the courtyard, not knowing what he was doing......"

Knowing she had no chance to live, Lady Pan also spoke bluntly. Upon hearing this, Pei Yaoguang and Shui Yun exchanged a glance, then immediately left the county office and rushed straight to Zhao Family Village.