Chapter 565: The Wang Fu

Before entering the Wang Fu, Li Yan saw a servant trembling with anxiety, waiting at the gate.

"Young Master Li, you've finally returned!"

His face was red from the cold; seeing Li Yan, he brightened at once, rushing forward a few steps and bowing respectfully: "Young Master Li, the Commandery Prince ordered me to wait here for you—go straight to the front hall upon your return."

"How long have you been waiting?"

"Since midnight…"

The servant dared not complain, but a hint of grievance slipped through.

Li Yan immediately understood the reason.

The destruction of the Xu Mansion had left this Fifth Commandery Prince restless; at such a critical moment, any variable could be fatal.

The Wang Fu's intelligence network was unquestionable—he had fought in the city last night and then gone to the Chengdu Prefectural Office; they must know something.

Indeed, when he arrived at the front hall, the Fifth Commandery Prince Xiao Jinghong, Ming Shanzi, and Sha Li Fei all came out to greet him.

"Young Master Yan, are you unharmed?"

Sha Li Fei frowned deeply: "We heard the news last night and were about to go out, but Elder Ming Shanzi said the Shu Prince's men were still in the city—going out would only cause trouble."

"The Elder is right!"

Li Yan nodded solemnly: "If you had gone out last night, you would have faced serious trouble."

The Fifth Commandery Prince Xiao Jinghong remained calm, his expression steady as he spoke: "Gentlemen, let's go inside and discuss this."

Everyone took their seats in the hall; servants brought hot tea.

The tea was premium Dongding Oolong, but no one had the appetite to savor it—all eyes turned to Li Yan.

Li Yan wasted no time, omitting the matter of the "Six Idle Ones of the Bamboo Grove," and recounted his experiences at the Xu Mansion, the battle on the long street, and his observations at the Prefectural Office.

"That old witch is formidable and experienced; after I defeated her, she fled swiftly—the City God Temple's movements were strange…"

"The Shu Prince has the Black Feather Guard and many elite death-soldiers…"

Inside the hall, a gilded lion incense burner sent up blue smoke.

Li Yan dipped his fingertip in cold tea and traced last night's route and the Shu Prince's deployments on the rosewood table.

Three mediocre minds can match Zhuge Liang.

Though he had experienced the battle firsthand, he was too close to the forest—he might miss what others could see clearly.

Indeed, Ming Shanzi studied the map and his expression darkened instantly: "The City God Temple… is indeed suspicious."

He too dipped his finger in tea, tapping the table several times, then connecting the dots into a faint Bagua pattern.

"During the Great Xing Dynasty, to counter the sorcerers of the Golden Yurt Wolf Kingdom, our Qingcheng and Emei sects, along with many other Daoist lineages, jointly established a great array within the city…"

"Though time has passed and its original power is long gone, such a massive disturbance could not have escaped the City God Temple's notice."

"Someone must have tampered with it already!"

At that moment, Du Men's Cao Yuanhuai hesitated, then suddenly spoke: "The Black Feather Guard and those death-soldiers are suspicious—the Shu Prince's mansion lies at the city's center, not far away. Yet they have not arrived, even slower than the garrison troops…"

"By horse-speed estimates, their garrison is not inside the mansion—it must be somewhere outside the city!"

"Cao Brother has sharp eyes!"

Li Yan nodded slightly in approval.

Though he had some friction with this man, the point raised was one Li Yan himself had not considered.

Such intelligence could save lives at critical moments.

Cao Yuanhuai nodded coldly, secretly pleased.

Li Yan turned to Xiao Jinghong, eyes half-lidded, his tone laden with meaning: "Your Highness, what do you make of this?"

He had deliberately revealed these details.

He had sent Xu Yongqing to Chengdu Prefectural Office instead of bringing him here, fearing Xiao Jinghong's paternal affection might lead him to hand the man over.

Though cruel, there was no alternative.

Whether for justice or personal reasons, the Shu Prince must die!

If this Fifth Commandery Prince showed the slightest hesitation, Li Yan would leave at once.

At this point, even the Shu Prince's mansion might not survive.

Indeed, though Xiao Jinghong appeared to listen carefully, his eyes betrayed unease; after a long silence, he spoke: "Young Master Li, is it true my father is feigning illness—and has already reversed his aging?"

Li Yan nodded: "It's likely correct."

"Hmph!"

Ming Shanzi saw the Fifth Commandery Prince's hesitation and snorted: "It's merely cultivation of dark arts—how many lives has he ruined behind the scenes?"

"If he had even a shred of affection for his children, why leave the heir position vacant and let you brothers turn on each other?"

"This is no longer just the Shu Prince's affair—if he truly rebels, you will be dragged down with him."

Xiao Jinghong drew a deep breath, as if recalling something, his gaze hardening: "My father's health is sound; his illness is a ruse. What should I do?"

Ming Shanzi replied coolly: "The Shu Prince's rebellion must fail. If necessary, you may cooperate with Minister Wang."

"And he must die—but not by your hand."

The Fifth Commandery Prince took a deep breath: "Understood."

He turned to Li Yan again: "Today is the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month—Sacrifice to the Stove God. By tradition, the Wang Fu must offer three sacrificial animals, a Stove God Guard, torches to drive away evil, and a Zhong Kui dance."

"I thought this year's ceremony was canceled, but yesterday, someone from the Wang Fu sent word ordering all princes and princesses to attend."

"I'll accompany you."

Ming Shanzi said gravely: "Going to the Shu Prince's mansion, we cannot bring many. If anyone openly attacks, it will be a complete break with the Cheng family."

Li Yan paused briefly, then said: "I'll go too."

He wasn't idle—he was searching for several yin offenders; they might be hiding in the Shu Prince's mansion, and if so, he could wipe them all out at once.

Many problems could be solved simultaneously.

"Very well."

Ming Shanzi considered, then nodded: "You may go, but you just caused a disturbance last night—you must disguise yourself."

Cao Yuanhuai quickly spoke up: "I have a disguise mask—my sect's treasure; far less detectable than human-skin masks."

At this moment, he saw clearly.

He and this Li Yan were not on the same level; the man had no interest in flattering the Fifth Commandery Prince, and had just tested him.

With the situation so perilous, the Fifth Commandery Prince's safety was tied to their sect's future—they must lend their strength.

"Thank you."

Li Yan took the mask, put it on, and instantly became an ordinary middle-aged man; with the Dragon-Serpent Tablet concealed, he would evade most observers.

With a plan set, everyone sprang into action.

As for Xiao Jinghong, he rose and returned to the inner courtyard, taking his Princess Consort's hand, which trembled with worry: "Amah, things have taken a turn…"

The Princess Consort turned pale: "Your Highness, this is too dangerous—let's flee. At least we'll save our lives."

"Flee? Too late…"

"The arrow is on the string—it must be shot."

Xiao Jinghong sighed, pushed open the carved lattice window, and stared at the snow-covered Taihu rock in the central courtyard: "Every year on Sacrifice to the Stove God, at the third watch, my father would personally hold the vermilion brush and paint the eyes of Zhong Kui in the Chengyun Hall."

"I want to see if he still has even a shred of father-son affection…"

………

"Elder, any progress?"

Inside the Bamboo Grove Cottage, Li Yan looked at Wang Daoxuan. Wang Daoxuan shook his head with a bitter smile: "The 'Five Heads Divine Scripture' was passed down from Chi Jiangzi Yu—it's an ancient Qi-cultivation method, said to grant the Five Heads Divine Power."

"It's a Dharma Realm power!"

Li Yan's eyes lit up: "What are its benefits?"

Wang Daoxuan replied: "It can expel Gangsha Qi to enhance spells, but the method is so obscure—it's unlikely to be mastered now, not in this age, far from the ancient wilds."

"Not necessarily."

Li Yan shook his head: "Dharma Realm powers can be cultivated using Divine Gang. This opportunity must not be missed—Elder, cultivate it. I'll handle the rest."

His stored Divine Gang was exhausted; if he found one more demonic Qi, he could give it to Wang Daoxuan.

He knew well the power of Dharma Realm abilities—his enemies were growing stronger; he needed his allies' strength.

"We'll discuss this later!"

Sha Li Fei grew impatient: "Chengdu hides so many demons—we can't let you face danger alone."

"True."

Wu Ba also grunted: "The Elder must cultivate, Old Sha must store his spirit—they can stay here. I'm idle—I can do something."

Lu San also muttered, "The Daoist needs to cultivate, Old Sha needs to preserve his spirit—they can stay here. What can I do while idle?"

Sha Li Fei shot him a look: "You're a silent pot, Wu Ba a dumb brute—you'd get sold without knowing it. I'll follow you to feel safe. Besides, evening cultivation is enough; by the 15th, it should be fine."

Listening to their banter, Li Yan felt warmth in his chest.

The world was cruel, but at least he had these brothers who cared.

He thought a moment: "Very well. The Shu Prince's people won't likely patrol the streets—go to Chengdu Prefectural Office, gather more gunpowder, then meet Senior Situ at Mingxiang Pavilion and tell him what happened last night. If you have time, also gather rumors."

"Disguise yourselves. Wu Ba is too conspicuous—he stays here to guard the Elder."

"Remember to disguise yourselves. Wu Ba is too conspicuous—he'll stay here to guard the Daoist's cultivation."

After the arrangements, a servant from the Commandery Prince arrived to summon them.

Li Yan put on his mask, changed clothes, and posed as Xiao Jinghong's steward, joining the procession as it left the Commandery Prince's mansion.

Sha Li Fei and Lu San also disguised themselves, slipped out the back gate, and took back alleys toward Chengdu Prefectural Office…

Sha Lifei and Lu San also dressed up, slipped out the back door, and took a back road to the Chengdu Prefectural Office…

…………

Shu was wealthy, ranking among the top regions of all Shenzhou.

As the only vassal prince whose fief was a single province, the Shu Prince's mansion was naturally vast—a miniature imperial palace.

Arriving at the center of Chengdu Prefecture, one could see from afar the towering red walls, hung with a string of icicles—this was the princely wall, called "Xiao Wall."

The main gate of the mansion was called Lingxing Gate, and it stood wide open.

Soldiers of the Chengdu Garrison had sealed off the surrounding streets, driving away nearby civilians; only princes, princesses, and invited officials could enter with their tokens.

The night's snowstorm had ceased, but the wind still howled bitterly.

The Fifth Prince's procession was extremely low-key: they rode only in blue-canopied sedan chairs, and Li Yan and Ming Shanzi, among others, walked behind on foot.

After passing through the garrison soldiers' line, the streets grew even more deserted.

Arriving outside Lingxing Gate, the vermilion-painted, bronze-nailed palace gate stood wide open.

Li Yan looked up and saw the triple-tiered gate towers, their upturned eaves crowned with snow-dusted Chaofeng beasts; in the center, "Shu Prince's Mansion" gleamed brightly, revealing the late emperor's imperial brushwork of gilded cloud patterns.

Two lines of spear-bearing guards stood in formation along the Ba character shadow wall, their iron armor shoulders adorned with red tassels that trembled in the wind; behind each was slung a fire gun.

Of course, all were ordinary firearms.

If the Black Feather Guard, equipped with Divine Fire Guns, appeared openly, impeachment memorials would flood the capital that very day like snowflakes.

"The Fifth Prince returns to the mansion—!"

Whoosh!

The gatekeeper's cry startled the cold crows perched on the eaves.

Ten servants in black robes filed out from the side gate and swiftly laid out a crimson wool carpet before the sedan chairs; an old gatekeeper hurried forward, holding a gilded warming brazier; the lid, carved with five bats cradling the character for longevity, released curling threads of sandalwood smoke.

The mansion's grandeur was now unmistakable.

Li Yan glanced casually and saw several gilded carriages parked near the eastern side gate, each drawn by blue-maned horses.

It seemed other princes had arrived ahead of them.

"Your Highness, please enter!"

A tall, sturdy gate guard approached with a wooden tray, speaking flatly, then swept his cold gaze over the retinue behind.

This was the rule: surrender weapons before entering the mansion.

Li Yan had long known this rule, so he had left Duan Chen Dao and the flintlock pistol at the bamboo cottage, carrying only the arm guards "Qian Nian" and the straw spirit puppets.

With these two, he could handle most situations.

Xiao Jinghong gave a signal, and his guards stepped forward to hand over their weapons; Li Yan, disguised as a scholar and carrying the Dragon-Serpent Token, drew no notice.

After inspection, they were finally allowed inside.

Under the guidance of the mansion guards, the group passed through Duanli Gate, with its five bays and three openings, then along a towering corridor…

Along the way, armored guards stood at every post; the atmosphere was solemn.

Seeing this, Li Yan immediately frowned.

He had visited the Wuhan Prince's mansion, whose treasure vaults were famed across the land—but compared to the Shu Prince's grandeur, it was a full tier below.

No wonder the court ministers were so wary.

Reducing the vassals was Great Xuan's state policy; to avoid provoking royal resistance, the princes retained their titles named after regional cities, and if they failed to pacify their domains, they risked being stripped of their rank.

Like bait, the princes, competing for position, constantly distrusted one another, making alliance impossible, and were forced to curry favor with the emperor.

One could say it had worked, so far.

But the Shu Prince stood out conspicuously—even without these events, court ministers would surely devise ways to turn "Shu Prince" into "Chengdu Prince."

As Li Yan pondered, they arrived outside Chengyun Gate.

Beyond Chengyun Gate lay the main hall of the Shu Prince's mansion; beyond that, the imperial palace gates blocked the inner quarters.

Though not matching the imperial palace in scale, it was still vast and imposing.

Outside Chengyun Gate, many were already gathered: ahead, the elaborately dressed men in python robes were several princes, and beside them, women in Shu brocade finery were several princesses.

Around them stood numerous Chengdu Prefecture officials; their servants and guards waited behind.

The Fifth Prince frowned slightly and asked, "Why are all of you here?"

"Your Highness,"

the front-line mansion guard replied solemnly, "the rules have changed today: we observe the ceremony here at Chengyun Gate, then proceed to the palace to watch the play."

"Hmm."

Xiao Jinghong nodded and said nothing more.

Ming Shanzi and Li Yan exchanged a glance.

They had come not only to protect Xiao Jinghong, but also to see what dark arts the current Shu Prince had cultivated.

But the situation seemed to have changed.

The Fifth Prince, the youngest, approached the group of princes and princesses and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Elder Brother, Second Brother, Fourth Brother; greetings, Sisters."

He had not finished speaking when he sensed something was wrong.

Every eye was fixed on him.

The eldest prince's face was as dark as water; he shook his fox fur cloak and said coolly, "Little Fifth, you've hidden yourself well…"

(End of Chapter)