Chapter 98: Fourth Day of the Fourth Month, Chang'an Outskirts

"Sir, rest assured!"

You Xian glanced at Zhu Yinshan and the others, his cold gaze seeping, and laughed, "If we can't pry their mouths open, Shuyi You Xian will take responsibility and resign!"

It wasn't only You Xian; the other embroidered‑uniform envoys of the Vermilion Bird Guard present also had a chill around them that was almost solidified.

The Tongtian Society and its ilk, with their self‑righteous, laughable pride, dare to challenge the Mingjing Office diners here?

How much do they look down on them?

Grandma can bear it, but aunt can't!

Chen Yan stood up, rubbing his jaw as if he had thought of something, and said, "Oh right, these separate interrogations…"

"Whoever spits out first can live; the rest will be tortured to death!"

Zhu Yinshan instantly understood Chen Yan's intention and shouted, "You Chen bastard, don't think this will make us submit!"

Human nature cannot withstand testing.

Once this tactic is employed, no one can be sure about the punished individual, nor whether the others will betray themselves…

Thus suspicion erupts everywhere, leading to mutual distrust.

Those with weak will are highly likely to be the first to surrender.

"Understood."

You Xian nodded, thrust his hand sharply, and ordered, "Take them away!"

The eager embroidered‑uniform envoys, fists clenched, rushed forward, each grabbing a Tongtian Society rebel, and headed outward.

Not turning these gadgets into a folding screen to recycle on Zhuangzhuang is a waste of their own garments.

"Aaaah!"

Not long after, the silent forest echoed with intermittent screams.

One after another, heart‑wrenching cries, tinged with regret.

Half Hour Rest later.

You Xian returned, standing at Chen Yan's side, and said, "Sir, we have three moves!"

"The contents corroborate each other; they should be true…"

It wasn't the embroidered‑uniform envoys' coercion, which is inefficient and took a Half Hour Rest.

Rather, after a Half Hour Rest of varied tortures, they finally gave these "iron‑bony" tough men a chance to speak.

"How is it?"

Chen Yan took the pear handed over by Zhu Yi, took a bite, and asked casually.

You Xian phrased it briefly and reported, "Their rank is insufficient; the specific people in Chang'an who collude with the Tongtian Society remain unknown…"

He paused, then continued, "But we obtained the address of the Tongtian Society's old lair!"

"They are also willing to guide us, in exchange for a chance to live…"

That cooperative demeanor, compared to the earlier toughness, was like a different person.

The main target is one that can stretch and bend, with an extremely flexible bottom line…

After all, how can loyalty be more important than a mere life?

If the small life is gone, then truly nothing remains!

"Very good."

Chen Yan nodded with satisfaction, tossed the half‑eaten pear aside, and ordered, "Punish three embroidered‑uniform envoys and escort them to Shanggui…"

"Consider it my congratulations to Brother Pei and Brother Wang on their appointment, a grand gift!"

"Yes," You Xian replied, and immediately turned to make arrangements.

Chen Yan yawned, "Let's go, head to the Wei River shore to board a ship and return to Chang'an!"

Late night.

Wei River.

On a warship.

Thirty li from Chang'an.

"Did I forget something?"

Chen Yan stood on the top deck, gazing far toward Chang'an, turned to Zhu Yi beside him, and asked, "What date is it today?"

Chen Yan always felt that something important had been forgotten by him…

Zhu Yi thought for a moment, then replied, "We've been sailing for two days; today should be the third day of the fourth month!"

Chen Yan, hearing this, patted his forehead, murmuring thoughtfully, "Then tomorrow will be the fourth day of the fourth month, Qingming…"

"Yes," Zhu Yi nodded.

I have received such a great favor from her; during Qingming I should go pay respects at her grave, see her… Chen Yan said nothing more, exhaled a breath of foul air, and silently made a decision in his heart.

That woman I have never met, the loving mother in my memory…

Chen Yan knows clearly that the important yet trivial part he obtained is due to his ability…

But the more crucial reason is her relationship with the Grand Tomb Steward…

In both sentiment and reason, regardless of the aspect, Chen Yan should go to pay tribute!

Fourth day of the fourth month.

Chang'an.

Outskirts.

Dawn just broke, the ink clouds slowly dispersed, revealing a faint sunlight that spilled over the green hills.

Outside a mausoleum, embroidered‑uniform envoys and the imperial guard stood in strict formation, ready.

Inside, there were only two middle‑aged men with slightly similar faces, both looking solemn.

A Tang, I've come to see you....

Long time no see!

Yuwen Hu's voice was hoarse, tinged with choking.

He slowly squatted down, gently stroked the tombstone, his fingers trembling.

Sister A Tang, I've also come....

I hope you're well!

Yuwen Heng's eyes were slightly reddened.

A Tang, I've brought you your favorite transparent flower rice cake....

Also jade dew pills, giant victory meatball, flower cake, crisp mountain cake, cherry bun....

They're all hot; you should try them quickly!

Yuwen Hu opened the box he brought and laid out its contents one by one.

In no time, the area before the tombstone was filled with a dazzling array of pastries, steaming with heat and exuding an enticing aroma.....

In the years since you left, do you know how much I've missed you?

Back then, I couldn't be here at your grave, face to face, so close to you as I am now....

Yuwen Hu raised his hand, gently brushed the tombstone, expressing his longing.

Past scenes flickered in his mind like a revolving lantern.

A gust of mountain wind blew, and the paper banners atop the mound rustled, as if answering his words.

Yuwen Hu leaned against the tombstone, steadied his emotions, and said gently, 'A Tang, you must be eager to know A Yan's recent situation?'

Rest assured, that child is doing well now, and is truly outstanding!

During the years I wasn't in Chang'an, I've been secretly sending people to protect him.....

In the years spent outside the town, Yuwen Hu often kept an eye on Chen Yan.

Whenever any mishap occurred, he couldn't explain it to A Tang.....

Yuwen Hu pursed his lips in a light laugh, a hint of pride rising, and said, 'Now A Yan has grown up; his development has surprised everyone.....'

That child, in the Tianlao Siyu, remained calm and unflustered, unshaken in crisis, after taking over from the Vermilion Bird Mirror Master, single‑handedly handled the Deposed Emperor's treason case, and dealt with Chen Kaiyuan, Chen Zhiyun....

His thunderous methods and resilient temperament make him far more accomplished than my A Ze!

He paused, then continued, 'Now he's gone to Qinzhou to quell the rebellion....'

Two battles, two victories, crushing the rebel main force with ease, showing a hint of Chen Hu's shadow....

Don't blame me for being ruthless; the child is a raw jade that needs proper honing!

Jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel.

Now the most important thing is to give him more opportunities to train, and bring A Ze along; sooner or later he'll become a great talent.

A Yan is far more able to remain composed than I imagined....

Regarding that fellow Chen Tongyuan, he has always been methodical and measured, maintaining a composure far beyond his age's restraint.....

Just as Yuwen Hu was rambling, Yuchi Min stepped behind him and said, 'Grand Overseer, the Mirror Master Chen has arrived!'

'Who are you talking about?'

Interrupted, Yuwen Hu snapped his head around and asked.

'Mirror Master Chen Yan has arrived!'

'Waiting outside to report!'

Yuchi Min elaborated in more detail.

'Quickly call A Yan in!'

Hearing this, Yuwen Hu couldn't help but smile, murmuring, 'At least he is willing, knowing he should hurry back.....'