Chapter 20: The Cruel Official Zhou Xing

The street quickly became chaotic and noisy; some scattered in fear, while others hid in the shadows to watch the spectacle unfold like a play.

On the second floor of a nearby teahouse, a young man dressed in dark clothes heard the commotion and pushed open the window, his sharp eyes just catching sight of the scene below.

“Sir, isn’t that Su Minghe’s daughter? She’s changed into male clothes again! And she’s really pulled it off this time!”

With a low, admiring sigh, Xuan Yu commented, and Xiao Muchen rose to the window to take a closer look. There stood a youth clad in blue, fearless and composed, facing off calmly against Bi Huaiyi. The young man’s entire presence was like a drawn sword—elegant and refined, yet exuding an androgynous, heroic charm.

Yes, not bad. This time there was no fake beard, but he had bound his chest and even fashioned a fake Adam’s apple. Quite convincing!

“What is she doing? Has she already been caught by the Dali Temple officials?”

Xuan Yu replied, “Sir, from what Lu Ling said, it seems she’s assisting the Dali Temple in an investigation, not a suspect.”

“An investigation?”

Xiao Muchen chuckled wryly. “Isn’t she the murderer? Is she trying to turn herself in?”

After a pause, he said, “Let’s go see how she solves this case.”

...

Bi Huaiyi, relying on his former imperial favor, had been titled Duke of E and promoted to Deputy General of the State. Although his influence was waning, he still commanded a troop of sycophantic officials and a band of desperate outlaws he had recruited.

At his command, several fierce monks charged toward Murong Huan.

Lu Ling swiftly drew his sword and stood before them.

“Apologies, General, but you cannot lay a hand on this person. She is not a suspect but my assistant in the investigation!”

“Assistant?” Bi Huaiyi narrowed his eyes. “So, a commoner with no rank or title. And I’m not allowed to touch her?”

“Yes! By imperial decree, there have been several recent murders in Luoyang. I, Lu Ling, am ordered to investigate. Please, General, clear the way so I can proceed!”

Bi Huaiyi was furious but dared not act arrogantly before the influential Lu family of Fanyang. Just as he sought an excuse to back down, a voice came from behind.

“If this is a Dali Temple investigation, General, why make things difficult for the young official?”

This voice quickly drew Murong Huan’s attention. He looked up to see a splendid official sedan chair approaching, bearing the character “Zhou.”

The sedan came to a halt. The embroidered pearl curtain was pulled aside, and a middle-aged man in a third-rank official’s robe stepped out. He had a long face, small eyes, and a cunning, sinister expression, with a well-groomed beard.

“Minister Zhou!”

Lu Ling clasped his fist in salute.

At the sight of Zhou Xing, a hooded figure flashed through Murong Huan’s mind, and his eyes darkened with lethal intent. So this was the infamous Minister Zhou Xing, the ruthless official who had tortured countless court officials to death!

Even the red-clad young man, Lu Shiyilang, clenched his fists, his gaze turning cold and deadly.

Lu Ling gestured to the youth to stay calm.

“Lu young official, have you caught the murderer who killed my ninth son?” Zhou Xing, accompanied by his attendants, approached with a mocking tone. His eyes scanned the timid Su Sanlang cowering to the side, then rested on Murong Huan, who stood tall and unflinching.

After a long gaze, a shadow of inscrutable gloom flickered in Zhou Xing’s eyes.

Then he smiled, “Is it him? This young lad is remarkably handsome and poised! Which family does he belong to?”

Lu Ling answered, “He is Su Huan, the fourth son of the Su family. Not the culprit, but an assistant I enlisted to help with the investigation.”

“You, Lu, are the direct disciple of Prime Minister Di, yet you need help investigating? My son’s murder is indeed strange. Since you insist on taking the case, catch the killer swiftly and close it, lest ridiculous rumors of a vengeful ghost collecting souls spread again. Otherwise... your position at the Dali Temple may be in jeopardy!”

The red-clad youth spat inwardly—so the real issue wasn’t the son’s death but the scandalous tales of a ghost dying beneath peony blossoms sullying their reputation.

Zhou Xing was ruthless and vindictive. Years ago, when Emperor Gaozong wanted to promote him, some argued he had not passed the imperial exams, causing the emperor to abandon the plan. Zhou Xing, unaware of the reason, repeatedly petitioned officials for promotion. Most prime ministers ignored him, except Wei Xuantong, who sympathized and told him the truth, urging him to give up.

Instead of gratitude, Zhou Xing blamed Wei Xuantong for his stalled career. After Li Jingye’s rebellion failed, many ministers were imprisoned. Zhou Xing seized the chance to falsely accuse Wei and others of treason, forcing Wei to commit suicide.

Such despicable deeds earned him universal hatred, but protected by Prince Wei Wu Chengsi, no one dared challenge him.

“Yes, I have sworn before His Majesty to solve this case within three days!”

Upon Lu Ling’s reply, Zhou Xing smiled with satisfaction. “Good! I look forward to your good news, young official Lu!”

He turned toward his lavish sedan, then paused and glanced back at Murong Huan.

“Su’s young lad is impressive—courageous enough to argue with General Bi! If you fail to find the killer in three days, send this young man to my residence. I’ll personally ‘educate’ him!”

Lu Ling’s expression shifted slightly. Zhou Xing laughed as he climbed into the sedan, but just then another familiar voice spoke.

“Minister Zhou, when did you take up such a scandalous vice? Su’s young lad is the descendant of General Su, Duke of Xing. If he’s innocent, why should he endure your prison guards’ ‘hospitality’?”

That voice!

Murong Huan and Ashu turned to see none other than Xiao Muchen, dressed in flowing white like freshly fallen snow, silver hair cascading, as ethereal and untainted as a celestial exile.

“So it’s Chancellor Xiao! What? Are you interested in this young lad too?” Zhou Xing sneered.

“Yes, I am interested in how she assists Young Official Lu in solving the case. Minister Zhou, your concern for your son is understandable.”

“Hmph! I think you’re just hoping he dies soon, aren’t you?”

...

Zhou Jiulang was not Zhou Xing’s biological son but his most trusted adopted heir. Zhou Xing, wielded by Prince Wei Wu Chengsi as a tool to eliminate rivals, struck at ministers while fearing assassination himself.

Zhou Jiulang was his shield.

And now that shield was shattered.

To Zhou Xing, all these aristocratic youths were suspects—his son’s blood stained many noble families.

“Minister Zhou, that’s a bit harsh. From where I stand, though you lost your son, you don’t seem so heartbroken. You’re even smiling. Why can’t we laugh too?”

Lu Shiyilang stifled a chuckle but quickly covered his mouth.

Zhou Xing was speechless, flicked his sleeve, stepped on a servant’s back, and slammed into the sedan.

“Carry on!”

Watching the sedan sway and the entourage of guards and servants move off leisurely, Xuan Yu sighed, “What an arrogant official! Would he die if he didn’t ride in a sedan for a day?”

After Zhou Xing and Bi Huaiyi departed with their retinue, Xiao Muchen turned his gaze to Lu Ling and exchanged formal greetings.

“Thank you, Chancellor Xiao, for coming to our aid.”

“No need to thank me. I’m not here to save you. Since you have urgent matters, I won’t waste words. Please proceed.”

Xiao Muchen cleared a path as Lu Ling and his officers hurried forward. His eyes then shifted to Murong Huan.

Ashu, terrified of being recognized, silently clenched her fists, pleading over and over: Don’t expose us! Please, don’t!

When Lu Ling’s group vanished down the street, Xuan Yu couldn’t help but laugh.

“That girl is really something—she almost had you on her knees!”

Xiao Muchen’s expression darkened. “Let’s go to the Gentle Courtesan House to see the crime scene.”

The red-clad youth Lu Shiyilang glanced back curiously and asked Murong Huan, “Do you know Chancellor Xiao?”

“No.”

“Don’t be fooled by his looks like a white peony. He’s a ruthless man. Do you know how his hair turned white?”