Search for Zhen (Part 2)
Like the rays of sunlight split the darkness, Shen Yiren, with Tang Ye and Su Xiao following behind, marched toward a certain room and kicked the door open to welcome herself in. The servants inside thundered, “Who are you?! Do you know who stays here?” Once they saw Shen Yiren, their tone became, “M-Mistress, wh-what brings you here?”
Every servant who served the big wigs of Song Clan had met Shen Yiren before, so the servants recognised her.
“You did not need to bring so many people along to meet Second Young Master.”
“Call Song Chi out.”
It was hard for the servant not to hear the hostility when Shen Yiren openly showed she was violence itself. He was pondering what to do when someone inside said, “Chang Ruo, what did I tell you? No visitors are to be turned away, let alone family.” Song Chi came out with Xunfeng and Bai Yumo.
“You are dismissed.” Despite the blatant show of aggression, Song Chi remained amiable. “Sister-in-Law, it has been a long time. I hope you have been well.”
The moment they heard Song Chi address Shen Yiren as “Sister-in-Law”, Su Xiao and Tang Ye instantly knew they weren’t dealing with an idiot. Emphasising her relationship with Song Ou and showing manners first was a better move than any smart remarks. To counter, Tang Ye stepped forward and raised his hand, signalling they were keeping it business oriented. “You can pass on the pleasantries. You should know why we are visiting you. Dayong, hand them here.”
Wu Dayong shakily set down a few sheets of paper and then bolted for dear life.
Instead of checking what the papers were about, Song Chi said, “It seems you have something to say to me, Sister-in-Law. Please come in to speak. This place is not as comfortable as our home in Yangzhou, but a simpler abode is more conducive to studying, indeed, as it removes distractions. We do not have much tea, either, but we do have enough to treat you.”
“I’ll pass. Thanks to some certain people, I don’t even have time to stop for a drink. Yan Ling.”
“Ironhead Palace’s Xiang Baxian and Zhao Tiankui’s military subordinates signatures are right here,” stated Tang Ye, giving his fists a rub.
Song Chi smiled. “And?”
Su Xiao: “You want more? We’ve arrested the four thugs who participated in the assault, as well. They have all stated you ordered the hit.”
Tang Ye rubbed his fist right in front of them, right where they could see. “Anything else to say?”
Xunfeng immediately stepped up to confront Tang Ye. “This is the new framing tactic you came up with? You just want an excuse to throw hands. This one is more than happy to oblige.”
Tang Ye raised his chest and turned his head. Offended at the marginalising gesture, Xunfeng prepared himself to attack.
“Brother Xunfeng.” Subsequently, Song Chi whispered something to Xun Feng.
“Ah…” Xunfeng’s rage vanished into thin air. He then turned to whisper to Bai Yumo.
Bai Yumo: “Ah, Brother Song, are you really the one who sent them?”
With the exception of Song Chi, all of Song Clan’s members weren’t sure how to deal with the awkwarness.
“Yes. My brother and he have issues with each other, so I sent them to teach him a lesson. Sister-in-Law, are you intending to teach me a lesson for his sake?”
The emphasis on “Sister-in-Law” was deliberate – to try and sway Shen Yiren. If word got out that she picked a fight with Song Clan for an outsider, her reputation would more than likely suffer a blow. Even if it didn’t bother her, she would have to think twice as it would jeopardise Liu Shan Men.
“The matter has already been reported,” replied Shen Yiren.
“So…”
“His Majesty is furious.” Shen Yiren looked up at Song Chi for the first time since arriving. “The Seven Champion White Princes have created enough of a mess as it is. In saying that, there is still time to salvage the situation. You are doing all this purely to see if His Majesty can impose his will. I believe you have found your answer. Kidnapping Ming Feizhen, on the other hand, is an embarrassing move. If you’re unaware, I can tell you he’s a member of Mount Daluo, a new duke and His Majesty personally conferred him the title of Hanlin Academician. To assault and kidnap someone of his standing as you please in the capital is to humiliate His Majesty. I’m not here to catch up. If you return Ming Feizhen without a scratch or bruise on him, I promise you that the capital will be your nightmare.”
Song Chi wore on a look of amusement. “I did not expect that from you. To summarise, you are saying Ming Feizhen has gone missing and suspect I am the reason behind it?”
Shen Yiren wasn’t sure how to proceed next owing to how smoothly Song Chi responded.
“Vice-Captain!” A female constable suddenly stormed in without as much as a knock, which was beside her.
“Speak.”
“Mr. Song from Daren Academy was attacked outside the academy, and his corpse currently lies there. Agent Dugu from Emperor’s Entourage is still unconscious after chasing the suspect.”
“What?! Don’t tell me it’s him ag-”
“M-my uncle was attacked?!”
The female constable didn’t recognise Song Chi, but she nodded. “Yes. He can be found right outside the academy!”
“Sister-in-Law, my uncle is our clan elder. I must change and go check on him. Please pardon me for the abrupt departure!”
Shen Yiren had to let Song Chi go since he had a legitimate reason.
When Song Chi returned to his room to grab his clothes, Song Ou, who was waiting there, asked, “Why did you have to be so confrontational with Yiren?”
While he kept busy, Song Chi’s concern back when he spoke with Shen Yiren was nowhere in sight. “Whether it is her background or martial prowess, she is among the best among women. Regrettably, she does not truly love you. Hence, our family has nothing to gain.”
“Yes, but…”
“Brother, our clan is not as wealthy as Gold and Silver Sect, not as close to His Majesty as Black Robe Brotherhood, not as important as Luo Ming, and not as in the loop as Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary and Cold Mountain Temple. Talent? Can you, I and our younger sister compare to Bai Clan’s three brothers from back then?”
Song Ou lamented, “Why are you bringing this up again? Nobody else brings it up. Who in our family can compare to Bai Clan?”
“That is exactly my point. Our clan has always been last among the seven. Therefore, were His Majesty to get rid of one of us, he would start with our clan first. This is not a personal issue. We are trying to grab at straws. Brother, you must never forget that, when push comes to shove, he who hesitates loses. I must be on my way now.”
On his way out, Song Chi wore his anxious visage back on.
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