Chapter 36 (1/2)
Troublemaker
Xu Qian began with his forte. “Do you know the process of solving a case?
“Observe the scene, collect clues, then make daring theories and meticulously comb for evidence. Unravel the mystery piece by piece and obtain the truth.”
The flickering candlelight illuminated Xu Pingzhi’s dumbfounded expression.
Xu Xinnian was in deep thought.
Xu Qian carried on his lecture. “Don’t think about how to trick Zhou Li. Instead, focus on observing him and have an ear out for any news. Then, with sufficient information, we can hatch a bold plan and hammer out the details and possibilities.”
The steps were systematic and clearly defined. Xu Xinnian believed his brother’s way of thinking was apt for the situation.
‘Who knew Ningyan was also a resourceful and reliable child…’ Xu Pingzhi gained some respect for his nephew. Previously, he had thought him too stubborn and unyielding to live a long life.
Seeing that no one objected to his plans, Xu Qian said, “Cijiu, you’re a successful imperial examination candidate and have access to the scholars. Gather information on the court politics and anything and everything about Zhou Li. Be thorough.
“Uncle, the Zhou manor is within the Inner Wall. The Armed Guards have nightly patrols so you’ll be in a position to surveil the manor. Send someone you trust.
“I want to know everything about Zhou Li. Where he went, what he did, and whom he spoke to.”
The father and son nodded, then realizing a missing piece, they asked, “And you?”
Xu Qian gave them a secretive smile. “I’ll be making a backup plan, just in case. Cijiu, let’s have a talk later, there are some questions I have for you. I’ll stay over at your place tonight.”
…
Drip, drip…
The sound of water droplets echoed through the silent room.
“Brother, are you asleep?”
“No.”
“Oh.”
…
“Brother, asleep yet?”
“No.”
“Oh.”
…
“Brother, you’re cutting into my space.”
Xu Qian flinched. Then, he heard Xu Xinnian continue. “Keep your elbows.”
“Okay, okay…”
The mood was awkward as the sounds of their breathing filled the room. Xu Qian asked, “Can’t sleep?”
“Yeah. I’m not used to the sleeping arrangement,” Xu Xinnian replied.
‘Me too.’ Xu Qian said, “When was the last time we had a sleepover?”
Xu Xinnian took a moment to recall the past. “When I was ten. Ever since you started learning martial arts, the relationship between you and Mother was strained. We drifted apart then.”
‘Here I thought you would deny we ever shared a bed… We can still do this now but I’ll never get to have a sleepover with Lingyue.’ The host’s childhood memory surfaced in his mind.
Xu Qian sighed. “I don’t blame your mother. An Armed Guard doesn’t earn a lot. Uncle’s annual take-home pay is a little more than 200 silver taels. To spend half of it on me while the rest of you share the remaining half, your mother is right to be angry.”
Xu Xinnian diverted the topic. “The Xu family might be done for if we can’t get through this debacle.”
If Assistant Minister Zhou was not toppled, the Xu family would face repercussions after the inspections.
“I’ll arrange for something. If the worst comes to worst, we’ll have to leave Jingzhao City. Uncle and I can find labor jobs which will be plenty throughout the lands, but your ten years of study will go to waste,” Xu Qian said sympathetically.
Xu Xinnian took a deep breath. “Rank and wealth are but mortal constructs. As a true scholar who studies the scriptures and walks the sage’s path, these are nothing to me.”
Xu Qian agreed wholeheartedly and said, “If Xu Xinnian wasn’t born, Dafeng would’ve been in eternal darkness!”
The thin thread of friendship was severed with that cheeky line. Xu Xinnian huffed and puffed and curled into a ball, taking away the blanket the brothers were sharing.
“Hey, Cijiu, share the blanket. It’s winter season and while I’m at maximum refinement, I’m not immune to the cold.”
Xu Xinnian stayed in the curled-up position and tightened his grip on the blanket. He pretended to be asleep and ignored Xu Qian.
…
In Xu Lingyue’s chamber, the dying embers of the burning coal gave rise to plumes of carbon dioxide smoke.
A slit in the windows was opened for ventilation.
The eyebrows on Xu Lingyue’s fair face were knitted together. Then, her eyes opened suddenly. She spent some time staring at the curtains that covered the bed before sitting up.
She stretched and the thick blanket fell away. Her white undergarments were stretched to reveal a growing girl’s figure.
There was an elegant curve to her neck. Her messy hair framed her exquisite countenance.
Xu Lingyue covered her pink lips as she yawned cutely.