Chapter 15: The Seventh on the Assassin List—"Red Umbrella"

The old emperor wants to see me? Ji Huo’s heart stirred, and he guessed it was likely about the Fourth Prince. He had originally expected servants to attend to him upon waking and help him wash up, but soon realized there were none. Thus, Ji Huo had to freshen up himself before heading to the front courtyard.

Ji Xiaoxiong and Ji Junhong were already waiting for breakfast.

“Second brother, you’re here.” Ji Junhong looked at Ji Huo and asked with a smile, “Did you sleep well?”

“It was alright.” Ji Huo twisted his neck. The northern climate was rather dry, and he wasn’t quite used to it.

“What about Little Brown Sugar?” Ji Xiaoxiong’s face had been smiling, but seeing only Ji Huo arrive, his expression quickly returned to calm.

“That girl loves to sleep. She always wakes up naturally; otherwise, she gets grumpy.” Ji Huo replied casually.

Ji Xiaoxiong nodded, smiling, “Being able to sleep is a blessing.”

Ji Junhong: “…”

Ji Huo: “…”

“But Little Brown Sugar is already old enough to attend school. Junhong, later you should arrange for her to join Hanlin Academy. The daughters of noble families all go, and she shouldn’t miss out.” Ji Xiaoxiong instructed.

“Alright, Father.” Ji Junhong nodded.

“Hold on, Dad, I’m your son too, right? Why didn’t you arrange for me to attend an academy? I’ve never properly studied, you know.” Ji Huo squinted and asked.

Ji Xiaoxiong looked at him, “Do you want to study?”

“No.”

“Do you want to join the army?”

“No.”

Ji Xiaoxiong nodded, summarizing, “You lack ambition. Looks like you won’t amount to much, so just stay in the manor and don’t cause trouble.”

“…”

Ji Junhong burst into laughter, then quickly composed himself.

“Oh, right.” Ji Xiaoxiong suddenly remembered, and his tone softened, “Xiao Huo, have you ever loved anyone?”

Ji Huo’s heart skipped a beat; the tone sounded oddly familiar. He replied warily, “No.”

“Do you want a wife? I can arrange for you to mingle with some noble ladies, try to have a child soon.” Ji Xiaoxiong pressed.

“No. I’d rather postpone it to my next life.” Ji Huo replied expressionlessly.

“Postpone to the next life? What do you mean?” Ji Junhong’s eyes lit up, curious.

“Leave it for my next reincarnation.” Ji Huo replied.

“Brilliant idea! That’s what I think too!” Ji Junhong exclaimed, his eyes shining.

“You two little brats!”

The Duke’s manor echoed with Ji Xiaoxiong’s angry bellow, drawing the curiosity of passersby outside. After all, it was rare to see the great general lose his temper.

After breakfast, Ji Xiaoxiong left them with, “Wait here,” and went off to change into his official robes.

Ji Huo sat idly, waiting in his chair. He had no official rank, so the clean clothes he’d changed into that morning sufficed.

Not long after, a servant hurried in, handed Ji Junhong a note, and left just as quickly. Ji Junhong glanced at it, his expression suddenly turning strange.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Huo asked casually.

Ji Junhong looked at him twice, his gaze hard to read. After a pause, he spoke slowly, “You should avoid going out at night these days. The capital isn’t safe.”

“What’s unsafe about it?” Ji Huo smiled.

His elder brother was always like this—never straightforward, always cryptic.

Ji Junhong looked at him again, then said carefully, “Last night, the owner of Tongji Inn was killed.”

“Oh, a big boss, huh.” Ji Huo replied offhandedly. Tongji Inn was one of the larger inns, with branches in many places—a wealthy man by any measure.

Ji Junhong looked at him again, and after a moment’s thought, said, “They say the killer was ‘Red Umbrella,’ ranked seventh on the assassin list.”

Ji Huo’s heart lurched, his face showing shock, “Wow, such a notorious assassin in the capital! That really is unsafe.”

“It certainly is. The struggle for the throne has brought too many variables.” Ji Junhong nodded.

Ji Huo tried probing, “Big brother, how did they determine it was ‘Red Umbrella’?”

“The informant said that after hearing screams and rushing into the room, they saw the window open, and outside was a small figure holding a red paper umbrella, flying away.” Ji Junhong sipped his tea calmly.

“That’s it?” Ji Huo asked in surprise.

“Six Gates hasn’t reached a conclusion yet, but everyone’s saying ‘Red Umbrella’ is here in the capital and is the culprit.”

Ji Junhong chuckled, “They say ‘Red Umbrella’ is a short girl, clad in red, barefoot, carrying a red umbrella. Her lightness skills are so advanced she can float in the air for extended periods. It’s said that when she killed the previous seventh-ranked ‘Whirlwind Blade,’ she hovered in midair, never touching the ground. Only top-tier masters can achieve that.”

Ji Huo suddenly smiled, “That description sounds a lot like Little Brown Sugar. If she carried a red umbrella, she could probably pass for that seventh-ranked assassin.”

Ji Junhong nodded with a laugh, “I thought so too.”

“Is there any other information about the case?” Ji Huo asked.

“No. If there’s news, I’ll let you know.” Ji Junhong replied.

Ji Huo nodded. He recalled Little Brown Sugar had gone out last night, using the secret passage. But he didn’t believe she was the killer—more likely, someone was framing her. He’d have to ask Twenty-Three and the others to investigate.

Was big brother suspecting Little Brown Sugar? No, just a bit of speculation. Mostly, he was warning me.

If it wasn’t her, which faction was behind this? Clearly, this targeted ‘Red Umbrella.’ Maybe they wanted to force her out?

Too little information; impossible to deduce who’s involved. If only I had the body or could talk to someone from Six Gates, I might learn more.

Best get Twenty-Three and the others to look into it.

I only arrived in the capital yesterday with Little Brown Sugar. Surely the trouble wouldn’t come so soon? What a coincidence.

Damn it, just got here and haven’t had a chance to contact anyone from Six Gates.

Ji Huo pondered, sipping his tea, his expression as calm as water.

“Ahem!”

Across from him, Ji Junhong was also sipping tea when he suddenly coughed, then casually produced a token and tossed it to Ji Huo.

Ji Huo took it and saw an exquisitely carved mythical beast, resembling a large bird.

“Second brother, this is my personal token. If you have difficulties moving around the capital, you can show it.”

“Though I’ve never entered official service, I like making friends. I have many, and anyone who sees this token will give me face. Institutions like Evergreen Academy and Six Gates, for instance.” Ji Junhong smiled warmly.

Ji Huo gave him a curious look, then bowed solemnly, “Thank you, big brother.”

“It’s nothing.” Ji Junhong waved his folding fan, grinning.