Chapter 315 - Ling Zhangs Fathers Conception (1/2)
It probably had never crossed Yuwen Zhi’s mind that Fang Quan would show a total disregard for his overtures after he went to so much trouble to get in touch with the Fang family.
Fang Quan’s reply to his letter first went through the hand of a secret guard of the Ling Mansion, and then that of a subordinate of Yuwen Feng’s before it eventually was delivered to Yuwen Zhi, who had no knowledge of the whole thing.
In the Ling Mansion.
“The Fang family actually rejected Yuwen Zhi’s request. This time he’s probably going to be reduced to vomiting blood from anger,” said Zhang Liu to a couple of others.
“Yuwen Zhi won’t give up so easily,” remarked Ling Zhang, his face hardening into a cold expression. “We still need to keep a weather eye on him. Do not let your guard down because of this.”
“Yes, Your Lords.h.i.+p.”Visit website our ReadNovelFull.com
…
Yuwen Feng heaved a sigh of relief after being informed of the contents of the letter written in reply by Fang Quan. His back which had been tense for a whole day finally relaxed. The relations between his family and his cousin had worsened once again after that incident, and they couldn’t afford to suffer another heavy blow. If it came to his cousin’s knowledge that his father had secretly contacted the Fang family, things would without doubt get ugly.
Yuwen Feng’s eyes went cold as he thought of this. All those who were aware of this matter had to be silenced. Zhao Fugui…
Having no idea that his death was drawing near, Zhao Fugui received rewards in the Ling Mansion and then returned to the residential compound of Yuwen Feng with a good deal of food and wine.
“Zhao Fugui.”
“First Young Master?”
Suddenly Yuwen Feng blocked his path. Zhao Fugui hastily paid his respects to him, but a foreboding feeling rose in him as he saw two guards with murderous faces show up behind Yuwen Feng. “First Young Master, what are you–uh!”
The food and jars of wine in his hands dropped to the ground and smashed to pieces. Yuwen Feng flicked a quick glance around and, after confirming that the coast was clear, instructed, “Take him away. Make sure the butler doesn’t find out.”
“Yes!”
…
In the Ling Mansion.Visit website our
Miao s.h.i.+san hurried into the house. “Childe Ling, something happened to Zhao Fugui. Someone in the a.s.sistant Minister of Rites’ residence sent word that Zhao Fugui died of a foul disease.”
“He died?” said Ling Zhang. “What kind of foul disease?”
“The one who sent the message didn’t know either.”
“Given the suspicious circ.u.mstances of his death, it strikes me that his killer was not a foul disease but someone who wanted him to shut his mouth for good.”
“He was killed? So someone found out about his contact with us?”
Ling Zhang gave it some thought and then replied, “That shouldn’t be the case. We’ve been very cautious. There’s no way anybody has found out about it. Besides, Zhao Fugui’s father is a butler who’s very much in Yuwen Zhi’s confidence. Yuwen Zhi wouldn’t have killed him so suddenly. It must be Yuwen Feng who did it.”
“Him? Why?”
“Because he doesn’t want your marshal to find out about Yuwen Zhi’s attempt to cross over to the Eighth Prince’s side. In his eyes, the fewer who know about it, the better. I’m afraid that trusted butler of Yuwen Zhi’s wouldn’t last long either. Yuwen Feng is trying to hush up this matter. Unfortunately for him, it’s very unlikely his father would let him have his way, given what kind of person Yuwen Zhi is.”
Predictably, at dusk, Yuwen Zhi was found to make contact with the Fang family once again. This time, as Zhao Fugui was no longer there to report it to Yuwen Feng, the latter didn’t get wind of it immediately. It was after he returned home from the imperial palace at night that he was informed of it. He knew his father well enough and was aware that his father wouldn’t drop the idea easily, so he had specially made arrangements for a subordinate of his to spy on his father. That very night, the two of them had a fight over the matter.
It was almost midnight and Ling Zhang had gone to bed. Miao s.h.i.+san came and reported, “Childe Ling, Yuwen Zhi placed Yuwen Feng under house arrest. All their servants unaware of the truth believe that Yuwen Feng has caught a severe cold. Right now Yuwen Feng’s courtyard house is heavily guarded by Yuwen Zhi’s and Yuwen Qi’s men.”
Ling Zhang raised his hand to knead his forehead. “These guys are nothing but trouble.”
In a cold tone of voice, he instructed, “Stay put and keep watch on Yuwen Zhi. Let’s wait and see what else he’ll do tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Lords.h.i.+p.”
…
The next morning, Ling Zhang and Ling Zhaowu arrived at the Right Prime Minister’s residence.
There were already a lot of people in the house: Zhao Zheng the Minister of War, Xie Dongsheng the a.s.sistant Minister of Works, Commander Xie of the Northern City Garrison Battalion, to name but three.
As soon as Ling Zhang entered, his eyes swept across those present. As expected, Yuwen Feng was nowhere to be seen.